Wheel Lighting Assembly for Diverse Patterns in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices for automotive wheels are limited in creating diverse light patterns due to wheel design and rotation, and face challenges with space constraints and poor reflective conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus comprising a base member, light member, cover member, and cap member, with channels and cavities to direct and disperse light, and a control circuit for LEDs of multiple colors, allowing for customizable light patterns independent of wheel type and surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting devices are mounted between wheel spokes or on hubcaps, then illumination is provided to the wheels, but the light patterns are limited and highly attenuated due to reflective conditions on contaminated surfaces and wheel designs
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting apparatus is divided into multiple functional components: a light member with multiple LEDs arranged in specific patterns, a cover member with transparent portions and reflective surfaces, and a base member for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to creating diverse light patterns independently, resolving the limitation of conventional single-structure lighting devices
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cover member have different optical properties - transparent portions allow light to pass through while reflective portions redirect light. The light member contains LEDs of different colors positioned at specific locations. This local differentiation of optical properties enables creation of multiple distinct light patterns from a single apparatus
2Adaptability or versatility
If space is limited in the wheel for affixing a lighting device, then mounting options are restricted, but the lighting apparatus still needs to create diverse light patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting apparatus uses a nested structure where the light member is mounted on the base member, and the cover member encloses both. This compact nested arrangement fits within the limited space of the wheel while maintaining all necessary functional components for creating diverse light patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member serves multiple functions: it protects the light member, provides structural support, creates light patterns through its transparent and reflective portions, and directs light distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, saving space while maintaining light pattern diversity
3Speed
If the wheel rotates, then the vehicle moves forward, but the rotation limits the choice of light patterns and creates poor reflective conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The light member and cover member are pre-configured with specific geometric patterns and optical properties that are designed to create stable visual patterns when the wheel rotates. The arrangement of LEDs and the positioning of transparent/reflective portions are calculated in advance to account for rotational motion, ensuring stable light patterns are produced despite the wheel's rotation
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
Enables the creation of a wide range of aesthetic light patterns on wheels, overcoming space and reflective limitations, and providing customizable illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a cover member configured to mount over and cover the light member, wherein the cover member is configured to reflect light over the base member
Implementation Method 2
the cap member comprises a dome-shaped cavity configured to disperse light from the light member
Implementation Method 3
channels and cavities that direct the flow of light and channel it through various areas of the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus for automotive wheels that can create different light patterns. The lighting apparatus includes a base member configured to mount within a wheel; a light member configured to mount to a central portion of the base member, wherein the light member comprises a plurality of LEDs; a cover member configured to mount over and cover the light member, wherein the cover member is configured to reflect light over the base member; and a cap member configured to mount over the light member such that the cover member lies between the cap member and the light member.