Monolithic Branching Light Guide for Vehicle Pattern Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting and signaling solutions fail to create a large number of visually distinct and recognizable patterns, limiting personalization and visibility, especially at night or during the day.
Innovation Solution
A light guide with multiple branches and intersections is integrated into optical units, designed to diffuse light extensively through its external envelopes, using microprisms and a monolithic structure to create varied and highly visible patterns, with at least 70% of light escaping through the guide's surface, enhancing visibility and recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LED solutions are used, then the lighting function is achieved, but the ability to create varied and recognizable light patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into multiple branches (at least four) that diverge from a common entry point, allowing light to be distributed along different paths. This segmentation enables the creation of varied light patterns by controlling which branches are illuminated, directly addressing the limitation of pattern variety while maintaining a relatively simple monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional point-source or linear LED arrangements to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional light guide structure with multiple branches extending in different directions. This dimensional expansion allows for complex light patterns to be formed within a compact space, increasing pattern variety without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If light is confined within the guide, then light guidance is achieved, but visibility and recognition of light patterns are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the light guide are assigned different optical properties: the internal surfaces are designed to reflect and guide light (maintaining confinement), while the external envelopes of the branches are designed to diffuse and emit light (enhancing visibility). This local differentiation allows the guide to simultaneously maintain light guidance efficiency and maximize light visibility for pattern recognition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple intersections with four or more branches are implemented, then light diffusion and pattern variety are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light guide branches and intersections are merged into a single monolithic light guide structure fabricated from one piece of transparent material. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and complex assembly processes, making the manufacture of complex multi-branch structures with multiple intersections feasible using conventional molding or machining techniques.
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 enables the creation of complex and highly visible light patterns that are easily recognizable, improving vehicle visibility and personalization while ensuring that all light is diffused, making the vehicle more noticeable to observers.
Implementation Method 1
the guide is shaped so that at least 70% of the light entering the guide escapes through the external envelopes of the branches and / or intersections
Implementation Method 2
within which the light is guided at least in part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The guide (1) has intersection regions (10, 15) formed by branches (4, 5, 5', 11, 12, 16, 17), where the guide is partially guided into the branches and formed by a monolithic part. The intersection regions and/or the branches are formed with an external casing such that 70 percent of the light entering the light guide is escaped through the external casing. A grid is formed by the intersection regions and the branches. A light diffusion unit is arranged on an internal casing of the light guide. An independent claim is also included for a car.