Connector Light Guide Layout for Uniform Low-Glare Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, the limited space for electronic interfaces poses a challenge in effectively and aesthetically delivering light to USB-C connectors without creating bright spots or compromising night vision, as existing solutions struggle to balance light intensity and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A light control apparatus comprising a diffuser plate, a light pipe, and a light blocker, where the light pipe is optically coupled to the diffuser plate and the light blocker is positioned between the light source and the connector, with a controlled aperture to direct light evenly around the connector, preventing direct light from creating bright spots and ensuring consistent illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If direct light from the light source is used to illuminate the connector area, then the illumination intensity is high enough for visibility, but bright spots are created and night vision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate optical components (diffuser plate, light pipe, and light blocker with aperture) between the light source and the connector area. These intermediaries transform the direct light into controlled, diffused illumination that eliminates bright spots while maintaining sufficient visibility, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocker with its specific aperture design creates localized light distribution patterns. By controlling where light is allowed to pass through and where it is blocked, the system achieves uniform illumination in the connector area without creating concentrated bright spots, addressing both visibility and comfort requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more electronic interfaces are packed into limited space, then device functionality is enhanced, but light delivery to connectors becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the light pipe is positioned within or around the light blocker structure, and both are integrated into the diffuser plate assembly. This nested configuration allows multiple optical functions (light guidance, blocking, diffusing) to be compactly arranged, enabling effective light delivery even in spaces with closely spaced connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe extends in the vertical dimension (from the light source toward the diffuser plate) rather than only in the horizontal plane. This dimensional approach allows light to be delivered to connectors in a compact footprint by utilizing the Z-axis space, thus accommodating more interfaces without increasing the horizontal footprint.
3Stability of the object's composition
If light is delivered around the entire connector, then uniform illumination is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the light blocker with aperture controls light in one region, the light pipe delivers light to another region, and the diffuser plate distributes light across the surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently without requiring a completely surrounding structure, achieving uniform illumination with reduced complexity.
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 even and controlled illumination around the connectors, maintaining low light intensity for night vision while ensuring visibility, and aesthetically enhancing the interface by distributing light without bright spots, thus addressing space constraints and visibility needs.
Implementation Method 1
The light pipe is optically coupled to the light source. The light pipe delivers light to the diffuser plate around a first portion of the at least one feature.
Implementation Method 2
The diffuser plate includes at least one opening therein. The diffuser plate also includes a first surface having an opaque coating and second surface. The light pipe delivers light to the diffuser plate around a first portion of the at least one feature.
Data Source
AI summary
A light control apparatus includes a diffuser plate, a light source, a light pipe, and a light blocker. The diffuser plate includes at least one opening therein. The diffuser plate includes feature located around the opening in the diffuser plate that exposes a portion of the diffuser plate. A light source positioned proximate a second surface of the diffuser plate is optically coupled to a light pipe positioned around a portion of the opening near the second surface of diffuser plate. A light blocker is positioned near a second portion of the at least one feature. The light blocker is positioned between the light source and the second portion of the feature, the light blocker having an opening therein to allow light to pass from the light source to the diffuser plate proximate the second portion of the feature.