Visual Locating Device Antenna Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing visual locating devices for motor vehicles face issues with electromagnetic interference, unstable connections, and fixed light signal characteristics that are not suitable in varying environmental conditions, particularly high brightness scenarios, and can interfere with the antenna's performance.

Innovation Solution

A visual locating device using LEDs powered by a driving circuit and a waveguide made of synthetic material, coupled to the antenna, with a control circuit that allows adjustable light emission modes, including color, frequency, number of flashes, and intensity, to enhance visibility in different environments, and is designed to be electromagnetically compatible and robust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a normal incandescent light bulb is mounted in a socket housed inside the spherical body, then the light signal can be generated, but metal parts can magnetically interfere with the original structure of the antenna, deteriorating its performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight signal generationVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference with antenna
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the metal socket and replaces it with a plastic socket, removing the harmful metal component that caused electromagnetic interference with the antenna while maintaining the light bulb mounting functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a plastic body as an intermediary material between the light source and the antenna, preventing direct magnetic interaction while still allowing the light signal to be transmitted through the transparent plastic material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the connection between the transparent plastic body and the tip of the antenna is made simple, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the plastic body can come loose from the antenna due to vibrations and waving movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a spherical body shape that can be coupled with the antenna tip, providing natural geometric compatibility and stable connection through curved surfaces that distribute mechanical stresses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features and coupling mechanisms that ensure proper alignment and secure connection before the vehicle begins moving, preventing loosening during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the light signal characteristics are fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but the signal is not suitable in varying environmental conditions, particularly high brightness scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal generator structureVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the light signal characteristics through a control unit that can adjust intensity, flash patterns, and duration based on environmental conditions, transforming the static light source into an adaptive signaling system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the light source (intensity, flash frequency, duration) based on environmental conditions, allowing the same hardware to perform optimally in varying lighting scenarios without structural modification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a visually effective and reliable light signal that adapts to environmental conditions, avoiding electromagnetic interference and ensuring the antenna's performance, while being simple, robust, and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide (15) coupled to the antenna (5) to receive the optical signal generated by the LEDS (4-L), wherein the waveguide (15) is made of a synthetic material so that the optical signal generated by the LEDS (4-L) is fed to the inlet of the waveguide (15) and enables the illumination of at least part of the waveguide (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical signal transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP2903862B1Visual locating device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 FCA ITALY SPA
  • EP2903862B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2903862B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A visual locating device (1) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising a light signal generator (4) coupleable with an antenna (5) of the motor vehicle (2), and electronic control means (9) responsive to an activation/setting command to control the light signal generator (4) to cause emission of a light signal suitable to enable visually locating said motor vehicle (2). The electronic control means (S3) comprise user- controllable setting means (20) to set a light emission mode of the light signal generator (4).