Vehicular Lighting Device with Moving Illumination Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular lighting devices cause driver annoyance due to flickering light sources and require multiple light sources, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular lighting device with a light source, a driving unit, and detection units that move the illumination position along a predetermined track based on user and vehicle states, eliminating the need for multiple light sources and reducing flicker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are used to sequentially illuminate operation members, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources into a single light source that moves along a track to illuminate different operation members. This combining approach reduces the total number of light sources while maintaining the ability to sequentially illuminate multiple targets, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while preserving illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a moving mechanism that allows a single light source to dynamically change its position along a predetermined track. This dynamic positioning enables one light source to cover multiple illumination areas that would otherwise require multiple stationary light sources, resolving the contradiction between coverage and complexity.
2Loss of time
If multiple light sources are switched alternately, then sequential illumination is achieved, but flicker occurs causing driver annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a continuously moving light source instead of alternately switching multiple light sources on and off. The single light source physically moves along a track to illuminate different operation members in sequence, which eliminates the flicker effect caused by rapid switching while maintaining sequential illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous illumination by using a single light source that moves continuously along its track rather than switching between multiple sources. This continuous action ensures that at least one area remains illuminated at all times, eliminating the dark periods and flicker associated with alternating light sources.
3Quantity of substance
If a single light source moves along a track, then cost is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the light source to illuminate different operation members, it controls the timing of illumination sequences, and it replaces the need for multiple independent light source mounting structures. This multi-functionality justifies the added mechanism complexity by consolidating several functions into a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting unit is mounted on a vehicle. A driving unit drives the lighting unit to move an illumination position. When a microcomputer detects getting-on, the microcomputer controls the driving unit, to move an illumination position of the lighting unit along a track running across an illumination area around feet outside the vehicle, an illumination area on a driver's seat, an illumination area on a starter switch, and an illumination area on a steering wheel.