Patent ID: 12253234

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the attached illustrations, the present invention discloses a license plate or, alternatively, a vehicle grille mountable aftermarket lighting assembly, the same including an environmentally sealed and weather resistant module for providing an illuminating front alert to other drivers and/or pedestrians, such representing the travel characteristics (slowing or going) associated with the subject vehicle.

Referring toFIG.1, an environmental view is generally depicted at10of an aftermarket light or illuminating assembly according to a non-limiting variant of the present invention. In a preferred application, the assembly10is mounted to a forward facing vehicle license plate2. As further depicted in the exploded view ofFIG.2, the lighting assembly can include a bracket12to which is secured a main housing14of the assembly. Without limitation, the housing14can include any suitable material not limited to an injection molded plastic exhibiting any durometer rating and includes an upper aperture15for receiving the power wire (see as further depicted at40).

The bracket12includes an elongated shape with angled ends16/18, through which are formed apertures, depicted as first and second pairs and referenced at20/22for receiving mounting hardware (corresponding pairs of bolts24/26) for mounting each of the assembly10to the bracket12and the bracket in turn to an upper aligning pair of inner circumferential rim defining apertures28/30of the license plate2. The main housing14also includes aperture end tabs25/27which receive the bolts24/26for mounting to the upper apertures20/22located in the bracket12. In this fashion, the aftermarket assembly mounts to the forward facing license plate2in a fashion, which permits it to be viewed without obscuring the alpha-numeric lettering of the license plate.

FIG.3presents a further exploded view of the illuminating assembly ofFIG.1which includes an illustration of an LED strip display32incorporated into the mountable light assembly. Without limitation, any of a single or plural stacked arrangement of illuminating elements, see at34,36,38, et seq., are integrated within the strip display32, such that illumination of the elements is visible through a forward facing translucent or transparent cover (see at39) which can include a curved reflector44and is constructed from a high-impact polycarbonate or like material which is mounted over the front face of the housing14.

The illuminating elements34,36,38, et. seq. can, without limitation, include one or more individual strips of LED elements (the term LED or illuminating element being interchangeably referenced), with associated wiring connections including one or more connectors communicated to a processor circuit board assembly (PCBA)41, which is incorporated into the assembled body for operatively controlling the illuminating elements and which can also incorporate any suitable motion control circuitry or like detection components such as an accelerometer.

Without limitation the LED display as shown can include each of upper and lower strips of LEDs which can represent first and second colors. Alternatively, and as will be further described, a single strip of LEDs can be substituted which can incorporate both of the first and second colors.

The cover39as shown exhibits a shape which seats within an inner perimeter31defining the main housing14and further includes an upper aperture33for receiving a cable or power wire40extending to a PCBA41(see also cutaway view ofFIG.7). In this fashion, the unit is provided as a waterproof and crush resistant assembly.

A support backing is shown at43with stand-off posts45for mounting the LED strip display32and PCBA41. An electrical power supply is provided to the strip shaped body and, in a first application, includes the cable40extending between the PCBA41and a battery located in the engine compartment of the vehicle (not shown) connected to a remote end of a wiring harness.

Proceeding toFIGS.4A-4C, presented are a series of side, front and end views of a further variant of aftermarket (VFAS) front end mounted lighting display10′ which can be mounted to any of a license plate or bumper or, alternatively, to a vehicle grille location (not shown) using any arrangement of mounting hardware. An alternate arrangement of illuminating elements are shown at34′,36′,38′, et. seq. (see as additionally shown inFIGS.5-6and as compared to the dual layer LED arrangement inFIG.3) and which can, without limitation, again include LED elements, with associated wiring connections again including one or more connectors communicated to a processor circuit board assembly (PCBA), again shown at41inFIG.6B.

An electrical power supply is provided to the strip shaped body and again includes cable40extending between the PCBA41and a battery located in the engine compartment of the vehicle (not shown) connected to a remote end of a wiring harness. In a further application, a portable battery (not limited to any of 12V, Lithium Ion or Nickel Cadmium) can be substituted for a dedicated hookup connection for powering the PCBA, accelerometer and illuminating elements/LEDs.

FIG.5presents a perspective assembled view of the aftermarket light assembly according to a further embodiment10″ which can be secured directly to a vehicle bumper (not shown).FIGS.6A-6Dpresent a series of front, side, rear and end views of the PCBA41, LED elements34′,36′,38′, et seq. and interior back panel support43for incorporating into the aftermarket light assembly. As previously noted, the LED's can further be provided as bi-color elements including any of white, amber, yellow, red, etc.

FIG.7is a cutaway view taken along line7-7of the aftermarket light assembly ofFIG.5and depicting the features of the power supply wire41, wire seating grommet46, LED PC board41, back panel43, reflector44, lens/housing39and protective outer main or cover housing14. In combination with previously depictedFIGS.3and5, the inner perimeter rim of the main housing14further includes a ledge or step48which engages a forward outer perimeter edge of the lens housing39as shown and, in combination with the grommet46, provides a sealed and watertight construction for securing to the forward vehicle bumper, grill or license plate.

FIG.8is a perspective illustration similar toFIG.5, with the protective outer cover removed, and depicting the interior structure of the lighting assembly. This includes a plurality of interior rib-shaped dividers50associated with a redesigned reflector52separating each of the dual color LED elements34′,36′,38′ et seq. in order to provide for a clearer visual output of any LED pattern created by the display associated with any going/slowing condition.

FIGS.9A and9Bdepict each of whole and cross-sectioned views of the outer cover14incorporating the aftermarket light assembly and as previously depicted inFIG.7.FIG.10is a perspective rear view of the LED PC board54and reflector component52subassembly, withFIG.11further depicting a one hundred and eighty degree rotated and exploded view of the LED PC board54and reflector component subassembly52depicted inFIG.10. As shown, the reflector52includes clips56which seat with edge defined recesses58in order to mount the dual color LED components through seating apertures60configured into the reflector component.

Proceeding toFIG.12, a width cutaway is shown of the lighting assembly similar to as shown inFIG.4A, withFIG.13presenting a rotated cutaway view taken along line13-13ofFIG.12and further depicting the arrangement of interior components of the lighting assembly shown inFIG.7, with the exception of a redesigned reflector component.

FIG.14presents a rotated and opposite end cutaway view similar toFIG.13and showing the LED PC Board41, cover39and inner back panel support43.FIG.15presents a perspective similar toFIG.5of the aftermarket light assembly according to a further embodiment and depicting the alternate configuration of the LED segments, again shown by pairs34,36,38, et seq. which can be single or dual colored, which are incorporated into the PC Board arrangement (see again PCB board41backing cover plate32integrating the LED's).

FIG.16is a partial exploded view of the light assembly ofFIG.15.FIG.17presents a further partial exploded view and depicting the front cover housing shown separated from the PCB board and LED segments. Finally,FIG.18presents a cutaway view taken along line18-18ofFIG.17and better depicting the inner components of the lighting assembly according to the configuration ofFIG.15.

As previously noted, the process and motion control circuitry incorporated into the present assembly also contemplates augmenting or substituting an accelerometer component by utilizing the vehicle onboard diagnostic port (OBD or OBD2), which can either provide power to the assembly in a further alternate embodiment, as well as in order to access speed data (such envisioned as occurring in tandem or alternative to the use of an accelerometer component). Depending upon the application, this is beneficial for redundant data in the case of noise accelerometer data received, and/or for data fusion to improve performance of the assembly.

Additionally, the OBD port is defined as a location where a diagnostic computer is connected, and operates to diagnose and read the trouble codes from the vehicle. The most common location for the OBD port is under the steering wheel on the driver's side. Another common place is near the center console panel, and sometimes even under the dashboard on the passenger side. The present invention also contemplates connecting any of ITM (Information Technology Management), OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket devices to the OBD port, such as which can interface with the present assembly in order to increase both its functional and operational applications.

As is further known, the LEDs are a subset of electroluminescent lamps, generally defined as devices, which convert electrical energy into light or luminescence, with the term luminescence generally associated with items that generate light. In the case of electroluminescence, an electric field (voltage) applied to a thin phosphor layer produces light. Without limitation, the LEDs can be substituted with any other suitable illuminating elements within the scope of the present invention.

As is further understood, the PCBA component includes the accelerometer component (also not shown), which can also be incorporated directly into the PCBA. As best shown in the illustrations provided, the wiring connections are split into subset pluralities extending through each of individual illuminating strips, it being understood that additional embodiments can be substituted for that shown and contemplate any of the use of a single connecting strip, other multiple connecting strips or of substituting the wiring connections and associated connecting strips entirely in favor of any wireless connection not limited to Bluetooth®, NFC (near field communication) or other short range wireless connectivity technology configured between the PCBA and accelerometer to the individual LEDs/illuminating strips. It is also envisioned that a Bluetooth or NFC configured network can also be established between the OBD port and the PCBA.

In this fashion, the PCBA instructs the visual output (illumination) of some or all of the LEDs/illuminating elements based on the vehicle movement sensed by the motion control circuitry/accelerometer. As is further known, the accelerometer is a device that measures the vibration, or acceleration of motion of a structure. The force caused by vibration or a change in motion (acceleration) causes the mass to “squeeze” the piezoelectric material, which produces an electrical charge that is proportional to the force exerted upon it. Since the charge is proportional to the force, and the mass is a constant, then the charge is also proportional to the acceleration.

In this manner, an accelerometer works using an electromechanical sensor to measure dynamic acceleration, defined as non-uniform acceleration forces when compared to its previous state. The theory behind accelerometers is that they can detect acceleration and convert it into measurable quantities like electrical signals.

In one non-limiting operation, the PCBA instructs a first visual output by the illuminating elements representative of a first steady or accelerating movement condition (this generally representing to the forward located observer that the vehicle is traveling a steady motion), with a second instructed visual output further representative of a decelerating or braking condition of the subject vehicle (additional visual outputs can also represent other non-constant travel conditions such as for vehicle acceleration).

The visual outputs envisioned by the present invention can include a number of different representations, such as including but not limited to providing multiple animation sequences presented by the LEDs or other suitable electroluminescent elements, a first of which can include providing the first output in a first color (such as including but not limited to a white LED strip), with the second output provided in a second color (such as further including but not limited to a yellow or amber LED strip). It is further envisioned and understood that the first and second visual representations can be provided according to any of varying illumination intensities, flashing or fluctuating patterns, or the like, such further utilizing any of multiple different colors or a single color.

Without limitation, the illumination elements provided herein can respond to the instructions of the processor and accelerometer components (which in turn is in response to the travel condition of the vehicle) in order to provide any of solid or flashing/fluctuating patterns. This can, in one non-limiting example, a lighting fluctuation pattern determined by obtaining a first speed of a vehicle and, if the first speed is over a threshold speed, the plurality of light elements on the light strip illuminates a solid first color. If the first speed is under the threshold speed, a first light element in the strip can be powered for a given time interval and a second light element in the strip is powered for a further time interval, with the plurality of light elements emanating a second color, such as when the vehicle is decelerating when under the threshold speed. First and second fluctuating light patterns from the first and second colored lights can further result from values determined by the processor representative of any of acceleration, decelerating or braking conditions.

Additional features can include the provision of an ambient light sensor (also termed ALS) for managing the lighting/LED34,36,38, et seq. intensity based upon exterior lighting conditions. By definition, an ALS is a photodetector that is used to sense the amount of ambient light present and, in response, adjusting the output intensity of the lights to match the ambient environment.

In operation, ambient light sensors (ALS) detect the amount of light in the environment and are used by systems that need this information such as headlight controls, interior lighting controls, and climate controls. Light sensors are generally based on one of three types of components: photoresistors, photodiodes or phototransistors.

Photoresistors or Photocells are two terminal components, and (as the name implies) the resistance between these terminals varies depending on the amount of light striking the component face. The resistance is proportional to changes in light intensity. However, they are relatively inaccurate and have a property called light “memory” which makes its response to a given light level dependent on previous ambient light levels. Photoresistors require external calibration in all but the simplest applications due to the variation in sensitivity between units and are generally the least expensive light detecting option and have a relatively slow (measured in milliseconds) response time.

Photodiodes are also two terminal components and are capable of developing a voltage across the terminals that is proportional to the amount of light striking the sensor surface. Photodiodes exhibit a linear relationship between their output current and the illumination level.

Phototransistors are two terminal transistors. The third terminal, the base in a bipolar transistor or the gate in a field-effect transistor, is replaced by the light collecting surface. The amount of light striking the surface supplies the base (or gate) current and regulates the amount of current that can flow from the collector to emitter (or source to drain). Phototransistors produce an output current proportional to the incident light intensity and are generally much faster than photoresistors and do not have the light “memory” property. However, the variation in sensitivity can be ±50% or more between units. Phototransistors are slightly more expensive than the other options, but they are more versatile and have quick (measured in nanoseconds) response times.

It is generally desirable for ambient light sensors to imitate the sensitivity of human eyes over the visual spectral range (380 nm to 780 nm with a peak response wavelength of about 550 nm). Unfortunately, most sensor's spectral response is not the same as the human eye because unlike the human eye, ambient light sensors generally respond to infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light as well. Therefore, displays and light brightness controlled by ambient light sensors may not be optimal for human eyes if IR light is not properly compensated. This issue can be addressed by self-compensating circuits or by using an IR filter within the unit.

Ambient light sensor products are gaining popularity as effective solutions for power management and increasing display quality in electronic products and systems. The battery life for portable electronics such as a cell phone or power savings in headlights can be increased significantly by automatic brightness control through ambient light sensor feedback.

Further to the above-description, and beyond that shown, the ALS can be located upon any of numerous locations including on the PCBA41as shown inFIG.10. Beyond that, the ALS can also be relocated to any of the laminated circuit or other existing automotive systems which is optimized for sensing the ambient lighting conditions and providing the necessary illumination adjustment to the illuminating elements/LED's.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. The detailed description and drawings are further understood to be supportive of the disclosure, the scope of which being defined by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

The foregoing disclosure is further understood as not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, and the like) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.

Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.