Illuminated hitch angle detection component
A lighting system for a trailer assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a hitch angle detection component having a predefined pattern thereon. A light source is disposed within the hitch angle detection component. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the light source. The photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light output from at least a portion of the light source.
1. A lighting system for a trailer, comprising:
a hitch angle detection component disposed on a trailer;
a light source disposed within the detection component;
a first photoluminescent structure disposed on the light source and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source; and
a second photoluminescent structure separated from the light source and disposed on a trailer feature, wherein the second photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to light output from the light source.
2. The lighting system for a trailer of claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of printed LEDs.
3. The lighting system for a trailer of claim 2 , wherein the photoluminescent structure comprises at least one photoluminescent material configured to convert an inputted light received from at least a portion of the light source into a visible light that is outputted to a viewable portion.
4. The lighting system for a trailer of claim 3 , wherein the inputted light comprises one of blue light, violet light, and UV light.
5. The lighting system for a trailer of claim 1 , wherein the hitch angle detection component is configured as a target.
6. The lighting system for a trailer of claim 5 , wherein the target cooperates with a trailer backup assist function of a vehicle.
7. The lighting system for a trailer of claim 1 , wherein the hitch angle detection component includes a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on a top surface for capture by a video camera and recognition by an image processing unit.
8. A trailer system, comprising:
a hitch angle detection component having a light source; and
a first luminescent structure disposed on the light source and configured to luminesce in a first color in response to excitation by the light source when a motion detection unit detects a trailer is in motion and in a second, different color when the motion detection unit detects the trailer is stationary.
9. The trailer system of claim 8 , wherein the light source comprises a printed LED.
10. The trailer system of claim 8 , wherein the light source is powered by a power source disposed within a vehicle and is configured to illuminate when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
11. The trailer system of claim 9 , wherein the first luminescent structure comprises at least one luminescent material configured to convert an inputted light received from at least a portion of the printed LED into a visible light that is outputted to a viewable portion.
12. The trailer system of claim 8 , further comprising:
a second luminescent structure separated from the light source.
13. The trailer system of claim 12 , wherein the first luminescent structure illuminates in a first color and the second luminescent structure illuminates in a second color.
14. The trailer system of claim 8 , wherein the light source is powered by a power source within the hitch angle detection component.
15. A lighting system for a trailer assembly, comprising:
a hitch angle detection component having a pattern thereon on a trailer component;
a light source disposed within the hitch angle detection component;
a photoluminescent structure disposed on the light source, wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light output from the light source; and
an overmold material disposed over the photoluminescent structure configured to encapsulate the light source and photoluminescent structure between the overmold material and trailer component.
16. The lighting system for a trailer assembly of claim 15 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of printed LEDs.
17. The lighting system for a trailer assembly of claim 15 , further comprising:
a photosensor configured to measure incident light; and
a controller configured to maintain a constant intensity of light emitted from the detection component based on a lighting condition of the hitch angle detection component.
18. The lighting system for a trailer assembly of claim 17 , further comprising:
a solar panel connected to a power source disposed within the hitch angle detection component.
19. The lighting system for a trailer assembly of claim 15 , further comprising:
a motion detection unit disposed on the hitch angle detection component configured to detect a positional change of the trailer.
20. The lighting system for a trailer assembly of claim 19 , wherein the light source is illuminated when the motion detection unit senses movement of the trailer and returns to an unilluminated state if no motion is sensed for a predetermined amount of time thereafter.