Vehicle Window Light System Dynamic Indicia Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle decals lack the ability to dynamically display information or enhance the vehicle's attractiveness in a prominent and upscale manner, especially in relation to usage or operational status.

Innovation Solution

A light system integrated into a vehicle window, comprising a light source optically coupled with a light guide and a luminescent structure that illuminates in response to excitation light, with a controller activating the light source based on the operation of an electronic device, allowing indicia to be defined and displayed dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional decal is used on a vehicle, then the vehicle can display a logo or graphic, but the decal lacks dynamic display capability and cannot indicate operational status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic display capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decal transitions from a static graphic to a dynamic display element by incorporating a luminescent structure that can be selectively illuminated. The light guide and light source enable the decal to change its visual state based on operational conditions, allowing it to display different information dynamically while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A light guide structure is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the luminescent decal. This light guide efficiently directs light to the decal, enabling dynamic illumination without requiring the light source to be in direct contact with the decal, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving dynamic display capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If a luminescent structure with light guide is integrated into the vehicle window, then the indicia can be dynamically illuminated to enhance attractiveness and provide information, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindicia illuminationVSAvoidwindow structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The luminescent structure is integrated directly into the vehicle window assembly, merging the decal, light guide, and lighting components into a unified window structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting systems and reduces overall structural complexity while achieving dynamic illumination of indicia.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle window serves multiple functions: it provides the structural barrier function of a window, while simultaneously housing the luminescent indicia display system. The window structure itself becomes the mounting platform for the light guide and luminescent elements, eliminating the need for additional structural components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If the light source is continuously activated, then the indicia are always visible and attractive, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindicia visibilityVSAvoidlight source energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is activated periodically or on-demand based on specific conditions rather than continuously. The controller activates the light source only when relevant information needs to be displayed, such as when the vehicle is in a particular operational state or when a user interacts with the system, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining visibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a controller that monitors operational status and user interactions, and selectively activates the light source based on this feedback. This feedback mechanism ensures the indicia are illuminated only when information needs to be communicated, optimizing energy usage while maintaining visibility functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides a visually appealing and informative display that can indicate the vehicle's usage or affiliation, enhancing its attractiveness and functionality by dynamically illuminating indicia in response to operational states.

Implementation Method 1

The luminescent structure luminesces in response to receiving excitation light from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10173582B2Light system
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US10173582B2 patent drawing
  • US10173582B2 patent drawing
  • US10173582B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A window for a vehicle is provided herein. The window includes a light guide disposed between an outer panel and an inner panel. A light source is optically coupled with the light guide and is configured to direct excitation light towards a luminescent structure. The luminescent structure luminesces in response to receiving the excitation light. A controller is configured to illuminate the light source when an electronic device having an application thereon is in operation.