3D Symbol Elements for Motor Vehicle Lighting Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headlight devices for motor vehicles have limited design options and visual effects due to their flat, two-dimensional lettering and emblems, which are often highlighted by lighting but lack depth and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device for motor vehicles that incorporates three-dimensional drawing elements and a light source, where the drawing elements are designed to be permeable to visible light and are arranged to diffuse light, creating a three-dimensional visual effect that can be customized for design differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat, two-dimensional lettering and emblems are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but design possibilities and visual impact are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat lettering to three-dimensional symbol elements with depth. The symbol elements include a front surface and a rear surface separated by a defined depth, creating volumetric forms that can be illuminated from within to produce dynamic visual effects. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing feasibility while dramatically expanding design possibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds light sources within the three-dimensional symbol elements themselves, with illumination units positioned inside the volumetric structure. This nesting approach allows the light to emanate from within the symbol elements, creating glowing effects that enhance visual impact while integrating the illumination function directly into the decorative elements without requiring separate external lighting systems.
2Device complexity
If flat, two-dimensional lettering and emblems are used, then device complexity is low, but visual impact and design differentiation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By creating three-dimensional symbol elements with depth between front and rear surfaces, the patent enables new illumination patterns where light can travel through the volumetric structure. This dimensional addition enhances visual impact through depth perception and light scattering effects while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates transparent or translucent colored materials in the symbol elements that can be illuminated by integrated light sources. These materials allow control over light transmission and color appearance, enabling dynamic visual effects and design differentiation. The colored transparent materials enhance illumination intensity and visual impact while being integrated into the three-dimensional structure.
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 appealing and customizable way to decorate motor vehicles, enhancing their design and creating a unique visual identity that stands out from other manufacturers, while also improving the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle's exterior and interior.
Implementation Method 1
light from the at least one light source can be coupled into the at least one symbol element via the first surface and diffusely coupled out via the second surface
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle (3), comprising at least one three-dimensional sign element (5) and at least one light source (7, 7.1, 7.2), wherein: - the at least one sign element (5) has a first surface (9.1) and a second surface (9.2) opposite the first surface (9.1), wherein: - the at least one sign element (5) is designed as a symbol (11) or represents a symbol (11) at least in the region of the second surface (9.2), wherein: - the at least one sign element (5) is designed to be at least partially transparent to visible light between the first surface (9.1) and the second surface (9.2), and wherein: - the at least one light source (7, 7.1, 7.2) and the at least one sign element (5) are arranged relative to each other such that light from the light source (7, 7.1, 7.2) is coupled into the sign element (5) via the first surface (9.1) and transmitted via the second surface (9.2).2) can be diffusely coupled out.