CONFIGURABLE VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH MODULAR LIGHTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle lighting system with modular lights. The vehicle lighting system may include a control hub and one or more modular lights. A modular light may include one or more light cores assembled on an assemble frame module. Each light core may include a light source module and an optic module. The light core may be an illuminating light core or a signal light core. The module light may further include a decorative frame module.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vehicle lighting systems. Particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a configurable vehicle light system with modular lights.

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicles contain numerous lighting devices for both interior and exterior illumination. For example, exterior vehicle lighting devices may perform stop lamp functions, tail lamp functions, headlamp functions, daytime running light functions, dynamic bending light functions, and fog lamp functions. Typically, there are various standards and requirements by government or insurance agencies to regulate these functions for safety reasons. To meet these standards and requirements, a vehicle typically uses multiple single-function lighting devices, each designated to perform a single function, resulting in a variety of vehicle lamps in each vehicle. Upgrading, replacing, and maintaining vehicle lights are usually different for different models of vehicles and different for different lights in the same vehicle.

Therefore, there is need for a flexible vehicle lighting system for easy configuration, upgrading, and maintenance.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes vehicle lighting systems and methods for manufacturing and operating thereof. Particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle lighting system with modular lights configurable for various lighting functions in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle lighting system with modular lights. The term “vehicle” or other similar term used herein are inclusive of motor vehicles in general such as land vehicles, watercrafts, aircrafts, that is propelled by motors, which may be driven by fuels derived from resources other than petroleum, electricity, hydrogen, or combinations thereof. For example, vehicles may include passenger automobiles such as sedans, sport utility vehicles, buses, trucks, and the like, transport vehicles such as commercial fleet vehicles, industrial vehicles such as tractors, skeet gears, excavators, and the like, powersports vehicles.

Vehicles are typically equipped with various lightings for illuminating to perform intended functions and/or signaling. For example, a vehicle may include headlamps, taillights, fog lights, spotlights, turn signals, backup lights, and interior lights. Some vehicles lights are required and must be installed at certain locations of the vehicle and meet particular lighting pattern for the vehicle to be straight legal. Other vehicle lights may be optional, auxiliary, or limited to operate when the vehicle is off road.

A vehicle may include front lights102to provide illumination for the driver. Front lights may provide a low beam lighting pattern and a high beam lighting pattern. A vehicle may optionally include fog lights104configured to provide diffused lighting pattern particularly suitable for driving in a foggy condition. A vehicle may include parking lights which provide illumination and signal when the vehicle is parked. A vehicle also includes various signal lights, such as side turn signal lights, side signal and warning lights. Sometimes, a vehicle may include some off-road lights for driving or working, such as spotlights, flood lights.

On the back side, a vehicle may include stop light to provide signal that the vehicle has stopped moving. A vehicle may include reserve lights to indicate that the vehicle is moving backwards. Side signal and warning lights provide turning signals and dimensions of the vehicle. A vehicle may include fog lights on the back side, parking lights, license plate lights, trunk lights, rock lights, and interior lights.

The various lights not only have different brightness, color, timing of lighting, but also have different lighting patterns which enable the beam of particularly lights to have certain brightness and to reach certain spatial areas. Most states, countries, or regions which utilize motor vehicles have various requirements and standards that a vehicle must meet to be legally use roadways. For example, in the United States, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) specifies various maximum and minimum photometric intensity values (based on angle) for headlamps.

A lighting pattern typically refers intensity distribution and range of light beams from each vehicle light.FIG.1Ais a plan view of illuminating ranges of various light functions for a vehicle.FIG.1Aschematical illustrates lighting patterns of various lights in x-y plane relative to the vehicle100. Areas around a vehicle may be divided into various zones, such as zones 1-8 inFIG.1A. Various lights on a vehicle are designed to provide illumination at a certain distance from the vehicle in each zone. For example, the front lights102are designed to illuminating zone 3 in a range130. The fog lights104are designed to illuminate zone 1 and zone 1 in a range132. The various signal lights are designed to illuminate ranges134,136from the vehicle100. Off-road lights103, such as spotlights, are designed to illuminate with a range138.

The lighting patterns also have different heights and angular patterns.FIG.1Bincludes schematic side views and top views of various lights on a front light. Particularly,FIG.1Billustrates lighting range and arial distribution of a low beam of a vehicle headlight102, a spotlight beam on an off-road light103, a fog light104, and a flood beam of the off-road light103.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle lighting system using modular lights to implement various lights in a vehicle. Modular lights enable easy and low-cost design configuration, update, maintenance, and replacement.

FIG.2Ais a schematic block graph of a vehicle lighting system200according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle lighting system200includes a control hub202configured to control a plurality of modular lights208according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The control hub202may be disposed in a convenient location in a vehicle, for example in the trunk, the cabin, or under the hood. The control hub202are connected to the plurality of modular lights206installed on different locations on the vehicle via cables204.

In some embodiments, the vehicle lighting system200includes a power unit210to power the control hub202and the modular lights206connected thereof. In some embodiments, the power unit210may be an adaptor connected to the existing power in the vehicle, such as the vehicle battery. In other embodiments, the power unit210may include a battery pack independent from the vehicle. The battery pack may be charged by the engine or the vehicle battery. In other embodiments, the power unit210may include an independent power source, for example a generator.

In some embodiments, the vehicle lighting system200includes a user interface212. The user interface212may be connected to the control hub202via connection214to allow the driver to control the modular lights206. The connection214may be wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the user interface212may include a switch panel to allow the users to turn on and off the individual modular lights206. In some embodiments, the switch panel may include a group of on and off buttons. In other embodiments, the switch panel may be a touch a screen with software displaying various buttons. In some embodiments, the user interface212also includes indicator lights to show status of modular lights206in the vehicle lighting system200. In some embodiments, the user interface212further includes a switch configured to switch between a manual control mode and an automatic control mode when the control hub202is equipped with automatic control function. In some embodiments, the user interface212may be integrated with the vehicle control system, such as integrated with the factory control panel on the dashboard or rearview mirror.

In some embodiments, the vehicle lighting system200may include an adaptor216to the existing vehicle light control or computer system. The adaptor216may be connected to the control hub202via a connection218. The connection218may be wired or wireless connection. The adaptor216may be specific to make and model of vehicles. The adaptor216allows the control hub202to coordinate with the existing vehicle light control or computer system to turn on and off the particular modular lights206, for example when the modular lights206in the vehicle lighting system200include driving lights, signal lights, or auxiliary driving lights.

In some embodiments, the vehicle lighting system200is configurable to drive vehicle lights for various functions. For example, the control hub202may be configured to drive essential lights208a, auxiliary lights208b, and off-road lights208c, or a combination thereof. The essential lights208amay include low beam, essential signal lights, such as break lights, turn signals, reverse lights, dimensional lights, and other required lights for a vehicle to legally on the road according to the local law. The auxiliary lights208bmay include high beam, fog lights, signal lights, and other lights that a vehicle may optionally turn on while driving on the road according to the local law. The auxiliary lights208bare optional but still under regulation of local laws. The off-road lights208cmay include spotlights, working lights, signal lights, and any lights that can only turn on while the vehicle is not on the road or not running.

In some embodiments, the vehicle lighting system200may be configured to selectively support one group, two groups, or all of the essential lights208a, auxiliary lights208b, and off-road lights208cby choosing different control hubs or configuring the control hubs.

In some embodiments, the control hub202may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) on which a processor, such as a CPU, memories, and various circuit modules may be formed or disposed. The printed circuit board may be placed in a housing, wherein various connections/interfaces to the lights, control panels, sensors, power supply, vehicle controller may be assembled. In some embodiments, the control hub202may include a climate control device configured to cool or heat the electronic components on the printed circuit board to insure proper function.

FIG.2Bis a schematic block diagram of the control hub202according to the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.2B, the control hub202may include a CPU222and memory224. A software program may be stored in the memory224and operable to coordinate and control various lights connected to control hub202according to the vehicle operating condition and/or manual input from the driver.

The control hub202further includes various input/output interfaces configured to receive and send signals/commands and/or provide drive currents. In some embodiments, the control hub202includes light I/O226configured to send command and drive current to various lights. In some embodiments, the light I/O226may be identical to and programmable to turn on and off various lights by operating software. In other embodiments, the light I/O226may be light specific satisfy the load of the different lights. For example, the light I/O226may include drive circuits to modular lights to be connected. The modular lights connected to the light I/O226receives both on/off command and drive current from the light I/O226. In some embodiments, the light I/O226may be modular circuit boards specific to various light groups, for example, modular circuit boards for the essential lights, the auxiliary lights, and the off-road lights.

The control hub202may be customized by selecting one or more modular circuit boards to drive various lights. In some embodiments, the control hub202may include a control panel I/O228to connect with a user control panel, such as the user interface212. In some embodiments, the control panel I/O228may include a wireless communication means.

In some embodiments, the control hub202also includes a sensor I/O230configured to connect with one or more sensors installed on the vehicle. The sensor I/O230allows the control hub202to receive measurements from various sensors and to enable automatic control.

The control hub202may include a power unit232configured to connect with one or more external power supplies. For example, the power unit232may include an AC/DC converter to convert external AC power, such as an alternating power from a generator to DC power needed by the circuit components, and/or by the lights connected to the control hub202. The power unit232may also include DC/DC converter to convert DC power, such as power supplied by the vehicle battery, to DC power level needed by the circuit components and/or the lights. T

The control hub202may further include a vehicle adaptor236configured to connect with a vehicle's light control system or central controller. The vehicle adaptor236may include a standard connection to allow the control hub202to be plugged into a vehicle as an auxiliary device. In some embodiments, the vehicle adaptor236may include a wireless communication means to connect with the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the control hub202may include a climate control unit234to heat and/or cool the various electronic components in the control hub202. In some embodiments, the climate control unit234may include a ventilation fan, a temperature sensor, and a ventilation valve.

FIG.2Cis a schematic block graph of a vehicle lighting system200awith according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle lighting system200ais similar to the vehicle lighting system200except that the vehicle lighting system200aincludes a sensor panel240connected to a control hub202a. The control hub202amay include hardware and software operable to receive and process measurements from the sensor panel240to achieve adaptive driving beam (ADB) technology.

As discussed above, installation and operating specifications of vehicle lamps are regulated by law. Particularly vehicle headlamps must comply with government regulations to generate regulated lighting patterns for road safety. Typically, vehicle headlamps may project low beam patterns and high beam patterns. Generally, vehicle headlamps are required to maintain the low beam pattern to ensure lighting for the driver and prevent a dazzle effect to the drivers of oncoming vehicles driving in the opposite direction or the drivers of preceding vehicles in the same driving direction. During high-speed driving or in a low light area, the high beam pattern is desired and sometimes necessary for safe driving. When driving with the high beams on, the driver is required to switch from the high beam to the low beam pattern when approaching incoming vehicles on the opposite direction or preceding vehicles in the same direction. Traditionally, high beams are switched on and off manually by the driver. Recently, headlamps with ADB technology were introduced to automatically switch between high beam and low beam patterns according to the driving condition. Existing ADB headlamps may use physical shutters within the headlamp assembly or selectively disable a matrix of LEDs to convert between high beam pattern and low beam pattern. The existing ADB headlamps are complicated and expensive. The vehicle lighting system200aenables ADB technology by automatically switching between modular lights with low beam optics and modular lights with high beam optics, as discussed below in detail.

The sensor panel240may include various sensors used to detect driving conditions, such as lighting, vehicle speed, positions and locations of preceding vehicles and approaching vehicles, and other conditions. The sensor panels240may include a plurality of sensors to provide collaborative measurements for precise detection parameters of the driving conditions, for example, vehicle speed and acceleration, vehicle turning angle and speed, position and speed of oncoming vehicles and preceding vehicles, intensity of available external lights, and other parameters related to determine headlamp lighting patter. To improve accuracy of the measurements, the sensor panel240may include redundant sensors, for example using two or more same type of sensors to measure the same parameter or using two or more different types of sensors to measure the same parameter. In some embodiments, the sensor panel240may include, but not limited to, an accelerometer242, a gyroscope244, one or more laser imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors246, one or more cameras248, and other suitable sensors. For example, GPS sensors and infrared sensors may be included.

The accelerometer242measures the vehicles linear acceleration. Measurements of the accelerometer242may be used by the control hub202ato determine the vehicle's motion and acceleration.

The gyroscope244measures angular velocity of the vehicle. Measurements of the gyroscope244may be used to determine the vehicles' turning angle and turning speed.

The LIDAR sensors246measures a distance of a target, for example the incoming or preceding vehicles, using short-pulsed laser. Measurements of the LIDAR may be used by the control hub202ato detect and determine distance and position of the incoming and preceding vehicles.

The one or more cameras248are used capture images and videos around the vehicle. The control hub202amay analyze images and/or videos from the one or more cameras248to detect incoming and preceding vehicles and calculating positions of the surrounding vehicles by incorporating measurements from other sensors.

During operation, the vehicle lighting system200amay achieve ADB by switching between modular lights with low beam pattern in the light group208aand modular lights with high beam pattern in the light group208b.

FIG.3Ais a schematic block graph of a modular light300according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular light300may be installed on a suitable position on a vehicle and connected to the vehicle lighting system200,200adescribed the above. The modular light300may include a light source module310, an optic module320, an assemble frame module330, and a decorative frame module340.

The light source module310may include one or more light chips312configured to project light beams, and a drive circuit314configured to drive the Light chip312. The light chips312may be any suitable light source, such as a LED (light emitting diode) chip, a laser chip, or a combination of various chips.

The drive circuit314and the light chips312are disposed on a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the drive circuit314and the light chip312are disposed on the same circuit board. In other embodiments, the drive circuit314and the light chips312are disposed on separated circuit boards according to the design. The light source module310may include a housing316. The drive circuit314and the light chip312are disposed inside the housing316. The housing316may have a modular shape or include a modular adaptor to assemble with other modular components, such as the optic module320, the assemble module330. In some embodiments, the light source module310further includes a climate control device318configured to cool and/or heat the light chips312and the drive circuit314. The climate control device318may include a heat sink, a ventilation fan, or a combination thereof. The climate control device318may be disposed inside the housing316, outside the housing316, or through the housing316.

The light source module310further includes an interface or an adaptor to connect with the control hub202via a cable204. The cable204includes wiring to convey control signals from the control hub202to the light source module310. In some embodiments, the cable204may include a power supply line to the light source module310. Alternatively, the light source module310may be connected to an external power supply260without going through the control hub202.

The optic module320may include one or more optical structures configured to receive and project a light beam to a certain illuminating pattern. The optic module320may include optical lens, reflectors, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the optic module320may include a mounting bracket to mount on the light source module310. When assembled on a light source module310, the optic module320is positioned to project a light beam from an illuminating pattern.

When assembled together, the light source module310and the optic module320may be referred to as a light core302. Depending on the light source module310and the optic module320, a light core302may function as various vehicle lights.

In some embodiments, the light core302may be pre-assembled together. Pre-assembly may be convenient for commonly used vehicle lights, such as low beam headlamps, high beam headlamps, fog lights, break lights, and the like. Pre-assembled light core302may provide precise alignment between the light chip312in the light source module310and the optical structure in the optic module320. Pre-assembly may also improve sealing for the light chips312and the optic structures.

Optionally, one or more light cores302may be mounted on an assemble frame module330to form a vehicle light assembly, for example a vehicle headlamp assembly. The assembly frame module330may be a frame structure having one or more mounting seats. Each mounting seat is configured to receive a light core302therein. Using a suitable assemble frame module330, standard or customary vehicle light assemblies may be assembled by selecting and plugging in suitable light cores302.

Various assemble frame modules330may be designed to enable the light cores302to be installed on various vehicles and/or at various locations of a vehicle. For example, a grille frame module may have an outer profile to allow the frame module to be plugged in a vehicle grille opening, and a standard inner opening to receive a light core302. A cap assemble frame module may have an outer profile comply with an outer surface of a truck cap and one or more standard inner openings to receive one or more light cores302. When assembled together, the cap assemble frame module and the one or more light cores302form a custom after-market cap mount light.

Optionally, the decorative frame module340may be attached to the assemble frame module330. The decorative frame module340may function to provide ornamental features. In some embodiments, the decorative frame module340may be specific to make and model of vehicles, therefore, fitting the modular light300to the various vehicles of different make and models.

As shown inFIG.3A, one or more light cores302may be used together with the assemble frame module330and the decorative frame module340and form the modular light300.

Because the modular lights300according to the present disclosure are assembled together by modular components, when any of the modular components, for example the light source module310and the optical module320, may be replaced and exchanged without affecting other components. Traditionally, when any part of a vehicle light with a LED light source is broken, the entire vehicle light has to be replaced. Therefore, the modular light300may be repaired, modified, or updated at a fraction of cost compared to conventional vehicle lights in the market. Additionally, modular components may be repurposed.

FIG.3Bis a schematic block graph of a modular light300aaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular light300ais similar to the modular light300except that the modular light300aincludes a light source module310awithout the drive circuit314. The drive circuit314is located in the control hub202. In some embodiments, the drive circuit314is built in the light I/O226. Because the modular light300ais typically exposed to an exterior environment while the control hub202is typically installed in an interior environment, positioning the drive circuit314may extend lifetime of the drive circuit314and the light chip312, and lower cost of ownership of the modular light300a.

It has been observed that the drive circuit of a LED chip typically consume about 15% to about 40% of the energy during operation of a LED light source. As temperature increases, the percentage of the power consumed by the drive circuit also increases. As a result, the efficiency of LED chip reduces when temperature of the drive circuit increases. By positioning the drive circuit314in the control hub202, which is typically in a climate controlled environment, efficiency and life span of the light chip312will increase. Additionally, by separating the light chip312and the drive circuit314, the cost of replacing the light source module310is further reduced. With the drive circuit314is removed from the light source module310, the dimension of the light source module310can be reduced. Additionally, the climate control device318may also be reduced or simplified. The light source module310with reduced dimensions may be installed in tight spaces, such as along the narrow space in under a tailgate.

In some embodiments, the drive circuit314may be integrated in the light I/O226in the control hub202. The drive circuit314may connected to the on-board power unit232. Alternatively, the drive circuit314may be arranged in a printed circuit board independently from the light I/O226, and replaced and repaired independently. In some embodiments, the drive circuit314may be connected to the external power260.

FIG.4Aincludes various views of the exemplary modular light400according to the present disclosure.FIG.4Bincludes exploded views of the modular light400ofFIG.4A. The modular light400is similar to the light core302,302adescribed above, and may be used to form various vehicle lights with an assemble frame module330and/or a decorative frame module340. In some embodiments, the modular light402may be pre-assembled from a set of available light source modules410and optic modules420.

The modular light400may include a light source module410and an optic module420installed to project light beams from the light source module410to one or more illumination patterns.

The light source module410may include one or more light chips412disposed on a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the light source module410includes a drive circuit to the one or more light chips412. In other embodiments, drive circuits to the one or more light chips412is located outside the modular light400.

The optic module420includes optical structures of various designs. In the example shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the optic module410include a reflector and a lens. The optic module420is fixedly positioned relative to the light source module410. For example, optical structures of the optic module420are fixedly positioned relative to the light chips412to project a desired illuminating pattern. InFIGS.4A and4B, the optic module420is substantially circular with a reflector cup. However, the optic module420may be other shapes. For example, the optic module420may have an elongated shape with two or more half cup reflectors, or may include a set of lenses of various shapes, or any combinations used by persons skilled in the art.

The modular light400further includes a housing416disposed over the light source module410and the optic module420. The housing416provides protection and sealing to the light source module410and the optic module420. In some embodiments, the housing416includes a front frame416aand a back frame416b. In some embodiment, the housing416may include a bracket or mounting feature to allow the modular light400to fit in assemble frame modules. The housing416shown inFIGS.4A and4Bis substantially cylindrical. However, the housing416may be in any suitable shapes, such as elliptical, rectangular, linear, and the like.

FIGS.5A and5Binclude examples of modular lights assembled with different combinations. InFIG.5A, modular lights with various combinations of light source modules and optic modules, similar to the modular light400, form individual lights for a vehicle,

FIG.6A—is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary modular signal light600according to the present disclosure.FIG.6Bis an exploded view of the modular signal light600ofFIG.6A. The modular signal light600may include a housing615, a light source module610, and a color filter module620. The light source module610may include one or more LED chips. The light source module610may be configured to project light beams of various color. In some embodiments, the color filter module620may include colors designated for certain signals, such as yellow, red, white, and blue. By selecting different light source module610and color filter module620, a modular signal light600may be used as various signal lights on a vehicle. The housing616may include a bracket or mounting feature to allow the modular signal light600to fit in assemble frame modules. In some embodiments, the modular signal light600has an elongated shape. However, the modular signal light600may be in any suitable shapes, such as circular, elliptical, squared, and the like.

FIG.6Cincludes modular signal lights600a,600b,600cof various shapes according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular signal lights600a,600b,600care similar in structure to the modular signal lights600but different in length. The different lengths of the modular signal lights600a,600b,600ccan be used to assemble signal lights of various shapes and to achieve various designs.

FIG.7includes various designs of vehicle lights assembled from modular lights400, modular signal lights600, assemble frames702,704,706,708,710, and/or decorative frames720,722. As shown inFIG.7, the vehicle lights are different in shapes and designs, and may be installed in various locations on a vehicles and function as various lights.

The vehicle lighting system and vehicle lights assembled from modules according to the present disclosure may be conveniently used in after-market vehicle lights.FIG.8Aschematically demonstrates various modular vehicle lights according to the present disclosure used as after-market vehicle lightings or off-road vehicle lights. As shown inFIG.8A, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) headlights802on the vehicle are replaced by the modular headlights804, and off-road modular lights806are added to the vehicle.

Modules according to the present disclosure may also be used by automakers as OEM lights. For example,FIG.8Bincludes an explode view of an OEM headlight810assembled from modules according to the present disclosures. The OEM headlight810includes for modular lights812,814,816,818, an assemble frame module820, and a decorative frame module830. Each of the modular lights812,814,816,818is similar to the light core302discussed above. The modular lights812,814,816,818, assembled from light source modules and optic modules, are substantially the same shape but function as high beam, low beam, spotlight, and fog light respectively. The assemble frame module820may have an exterior shape to integrate into the vehicle design and interior openings822to receive and secure the modular lights812,814,816,818. The decorate frame module830fits over the modular lights812,814,816,818and the assemble frame module820with the design elements particular to the vehicle.

The vehicle lighting system and vehicle lights assembled from modules according to the present disclosure may be conveniently used as lightings for various vehicles as driving lights, signals, work lights.FIG.9includes various type of vehicles on which the vehicle lighting systems according to the present disclosure may be used, for example consumer automotive, power sports vehicles, transport vehicles, and industrial vehicles.

FIGS.10A-100are various exemplary modular lights according to present disclosure.FIGS.10A-10Dare examples of various headlight assembled from various modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS.10E-10Kare examples of various auxiliary driving lights and off-road lights assembled from various modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS.10L-100are examples of various signal and warning lights assembled from various modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS.11A and11Bschematically demonstrate the exemplary modular lights ofFIGS.10A-100installed on a consumer vehicle.

FIGS.12A and12Bschematically demonstrate the exemplary modular lights ofFIGS.10A-100installed on a commercial transport vehicle.

FIGS.13A-13Jschematically demonstrate a control box according to the present disclosure. The control box may be used to control and coordinate various vehicle lights. In some embodiments, the control box ofFIG.13A-13Jmay function as the control hub202shown inFIGS.2A-2C.

FIGS.14A-14Dschematically demonstrate one application of modular vehicle lights according to the present disclosure. Particularly,FIGS.14A-14Ddemonstrate modular lights installed in grille openings. As shown inFIG.14A, a modular light910is installed in a factory grille902without modification. Conventionally, when after-market lights on a grille of a vehicle, it is necessary to modify the factory grille or replacing the factory grille with a custom grille.

In the example ofFIGS.14A-14D, the modular light910is installed in an opening904of the factory grille902. The modular light910may be similar to one of the modular lights302,302a,400,600,812,814,816,818described above. As discussed, the modular lights910may have a standard shape and dimension. The grille902includes multiple openings904. The shape and dimension of the openings904are usually depending on the make, model, and trim of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a grille mount module906is used to enable installation of the modular light910. The grille mount module906has an outer profile908matching the profile of the grille opening904and an inner opening912configured to receive the modular light910therein. The outer profile908of the grille mount module906is vehicle specific while the inner opening912is standard matching the modular light910.

FIGS.14B-14Dschematically demonstrate an assemble process of installing the modular lights910into a factory grille. InFIG.14B, the grille mount modules906are inserted into openings of the factory grille. InFIG.14C, the modular lights910are inserted into the inner openings912of the grille mount modules906. InFIG.14D, the modular lights910are installed in the factory grille.

In the example ofFIGS.14A-14D, a mount module having an outer profile matching an existing opening, such as a grille opening, is used to mount the modular lights according to the present disclosure. Additionally, mount modules having a profile matching an outer profile, such as a tailgate or a cap top, may be used to mount the modular lights according to the present disclosure.

FIG.15schematically demonstrates another application of the modular vehicle lights according to the present disclosure. InFIG.15, a spoiler mount module920is used to mount one or more modular light910on a vehicle930. The vehicle930has a cap profile932. The spoiler mount module920has an outer profile924substantially matching the cap profile932so that the spoiler mount module920may be seamlessly attached to the vehicle930. The spoiler mount module920includes an opening922shaped to receive the modular light910therein. The outer profile924is vehicle specific while the inner opening922is standard to match the modular light910.

Mount modules of other designs, such as taillights, may be used to install the modular lights according to disclosure.