Convex Light Guide Hides Diffusion Member in Vehicular Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular display devices with direct illumination of resin plates result in luminance flecks and visible steps, giving a poor appearance due to the visibility of the diffusion member and reflector through the facing member's holes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a convex light guide with a light diffusing part between the diffusion member and the facing member, and a projecting portion that matches the hole's shape, to eliminate luminance flecks and create a uniform appearance by diffusing light and hiding the diffusion member's visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the resin plate is directly illuminated by the light source, then the illumination intensity is improved, but luminance flecks appear on the resin plate and the appearance quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component between the light source and the resin plate. The light guide receives light from the light source and guides it to illuminate the resin plate indirectly, preventing direct contact between the light source and resin plate. This eliminates the luminance flecks that would otherwise appear on the resin plate while maintaining effective illumination.
2Ease of manufacture
If the diffusion member is positioned directly behind the hole in the facing member, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the visibility of the diffusion member through the hole deteriorates the appearance quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by introducing a light guide that extends in the optical path direction (depth dimension) behind the facing member. The light guide occupies the space behind the hole, preventing the diffusion member from being directly visible through the hole while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. This dimensional adjustment resolves the appearance issue without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the light guide is positioned close to the light source, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the visibility of the light guide structure through the facing member hole deteriorates the appearance quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the light guide itself as a mediator that serves dual functions: it efficiently receives light from the light source (maintaining energy efficiency) and simultaneously acts as a visual barrier to hide the diffusion member and reflector structures behind it. The light guide's translucent or transparent properties allow it to be positioned close to the light source for energy efficiency while preventing the visibility of supporting structures through the facing member hole.
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 improves the appearance of the vehicular display device by eliminating luminance flecks and steps, providing a smoother, more integral design appearance and enhanced illumination quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide that guides light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a diffusion member that diffuses at least part of the light emitted from the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular display device includes a facing member having a hole formed therein, an edge-light light guide that guides lights emitted from LEDs, a diffusion member that diffuses light leaking from the edge-light light guide, and a convex light guide having a main part interposed between the diffusion member and the facing member, and a projecting portion projecting into the hole. The lights emitted from the LEDs are guided to the edge-light light guide. The lights guided to the edge-light light guide are diffused by the diffusion member to enter the convex light guide, and leaves from the projecting portion.