Vehicle Design Element Assembly for Uniform Backlighting and Radar Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle design elements with backlighting features using LEDs suffer from non-uniform luminance and visible light sources, while radar systems behind these elements are prone to contamination, affecting safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A medium distributing assembly incorporating a light guide with internal reflection and scattering particles, and a fluid distributing assembly for cleaning, which includes a sensing element to detect and remove contaminants, ensuring uniform light output and radar system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are used as light sources in vehicle design elements, then energy efficiency and longevity are improved, but non-uniform luminance and visible light sources occur
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide element is introduced as an intermediary between the LED light source and the external environment. This light guide receives light from the LED and redistributes it through its structure to achieve uniform luminance across the vehicle design element, eliminating the non-uniform distribution caused by direct LED emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide element incorporates light scattering particles or diffusing structures at specific locations to modify light distribution locally. By strategically placing these scattering elements within the light guide, the patent achieves uniform light output across different regions, compensating for the directional nature of LED light sources.
2Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are used as light sources in vehicle design elements, then energy efficiency and longevity are improved, but the light sources become visible
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide element serves as a mediator that conceals the LED light source while distributing its light. The light guide's structure and material properties allow it to hide the visible LED components from external view while still transmitting and redistributing the light to create a uniform, aesthetically pleasing appearance across the vehicle design element.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide element can be implemented as a thin, translucent structure that diffuses light while maintaining a sleek, invisible appearance from the outside. This thin film or shell structure allows the LED light source to remain concealed while still achieving effective light distribution and uniform luminance.
3Shape
If radar systems are located behind vehicle design elements, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but contamination affects safety and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-cleaning functionality where the light guide element or integrated cleaning mechanisms automatically remove contaminants from the radar surface. This self-service approach maintains radar reliability without requiring manual intervention, ensuring the radar system continues to function accurately despite being positioned behind the aesthetic vehicle design element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect contamination on the radar surface and triggers cleaning mechanisms when contamination thresholds are exceeded. This feedback loop ensures that the radar system maintains optimal performance by automatically initiating cleaning operations when contaminants are detected, balancing aesthetic appearance with functional reliability.
4Reliability
If cleaning systems are added to radar assemblies, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is merged with the existing light guide element or housing structure of the vehicle design element. By integrating the cleaning functionality into components that already exist in the assembly, the patent reduces overall device complexity while still providing reliable contamination removal for the radar system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide element is designed to serve multiple functions: light distribution, aesthetic appearance, and contamination removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cleaning components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining radar system reliability through effective contaminant management.
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
Provides uniform backlighting without visible LEDs and effectively cleans contaminants from radar systems, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A medium distributing assembly incorporating a light guide with internal reflection and scattering particles
Implementation Method 2
A medium distributing assembly incorporating a light guide with internal reflection and scattering particles
Implementation Method 3
a sensing element to detect and remove contaminants
Implementation Method 4
a fluid distributing assembly for cleaning, which includes a sensing element to detect and remove contaminants
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2a~3
Figure 3a~4a
AI summary
A medium distributing assembly for a vehicle design element includes at least one medium guide including at least one medium receiving element; and at least one medium exit element, where the medium exit element has at least partly an annular form.