Ambient Lighting Jig Assembly for Vehicle Trim Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the optimal position of light sources and reflective surfaces in vehicle trim panels to provide ambient lighting often result in reflections of interior structures being visible to occupants, rather than the intended lighting effect, and are time-consuming when relying on computer modeling.
Innovation Solution
An ambient lighting jig assembly that includes a support assembly, trim panels, and a light source, allowing for adjustable angular and pivotal positioning of the light source and insert panel to optimize the lighting effect from a vehicle occupant's perspective, with the ability to record and replicate these positions for manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computer modeling is used to determine optimal light source positioning, then measurement precision can be improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical jig assembly that copies and simulates the actual vehicle interior geometry and trim panel structures. This physical model allows direct visualization and adjustment of light source positions without requiring extensive computer modeling iterations, thus reducing time while maintaining positioning precision through tangible spatial relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The jig assembly is pre-configured with the exact geometry of the vehicle interior, trim panels, and mounting structures before the lighting optimization process begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming computational setup and allows immediate physical adjustment and evaluation of light source positions
2Device complexity
If fixed positioning of light source and reflective surface is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The jig assembly incorporates adjustable and movable components including rotatable light source holders and repositionable trim panels that allow dynamic adjustment of light source angles and reflective surface positions. These mechanisms enable multiple positioning configurations while maintaining relatively simple assembly structures through standardized adjustment features
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into independent adjustable modules including the light source holder, trim panels, and support structures. Each segment can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing flexibility in configuring light paths without requiring complex integrated mechanisms, thus achieving adaptability with moderate complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to optimize lighting, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jig assembly uses universal adjustment mechanisms and standardized mounting features that serve multiple functions. The same adjustment mechanisms are used for positioning both light sources and trim panels, and the modular design allows the same components to be reused across different configuration scenarios, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high adaptability
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 quick and effective determination of the light source and reflective surface positions to minimize reflections of interior structures, ensuring a desired ambient lighting effect is achieved, reducing the time and complexity associated with computer modeling processes.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured to emit a light stream
Implementation Method 2
a light may be shined onto the trim panels and reflected toward a vehicle occupant
Data Source
AI summary
An ambient lighting jig assembly generally includes a support assembly, a trim panel, an insert panel, and a light source. The support assembly defines an inner support cavity. The trim panel is configured to be coupled to the support assembly and at least partly defines a jig opening. The insert panel is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support assembly within the jig opening and has a reflective surface. The light source is configured to emit a light stream. Further, the light source is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support assembly within the inner support cavity at a plurality of angular positions so that the light stream is projected onto the reflective surface for use in determining an optimal angle for the insert panel and the light source.