Covered Fiber Bundle for Vehicle Lighting Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting systems suffer from significant light decoupling in the fiber bundle region, leading to reduced efficiency and an aesthetically unpleasing appearance, with the decoupled light not being utilized for additional lighting functions or styling.
Innovation Solution
A fiber bundle with a bundling element and a fiber cover having a predetermined cross-sectional shape to hold optical fibers in a bundled position, allowing for efficient light transmission and utilization of decoupled light for both functional and styling purposes, including the use of phosphors or quantum dots to modify light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fibers are used for vehicle lighting, then lighting functionality is achieved, but light decoupling occurs in the fiber bundle region reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the decoupled light that would otherwise be wasted in the fiber bundle region and redirects it through a reflector and lens system to contribute to the vehicle lighting function. This converts the harmful light loss into a beneficial contribution to overall lighting efficiency, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving lighting functionality and minimizing energy loss.
2Illumination intensity
If decoupled light is not utilized, then the fiber bundle region appears aesthetically unpleasing, but lighting efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle region serves multiple functions: it maintains its primary role of light transmission while also becoming an aesthetic styling element through the integrated reflector, lens, and clear cover assembly. The decoupled light is converted into a design feature that enhances both lighting efficiency and visual appeal, allowing the same structure to fulfill multiple purposes simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fiber cover is added to hold optical fibers in bundled position, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fiber cover, reflector, lens, and clear cover into a single integrated assembly that performs multiple functions simultaneously. This merging approach provides structural stability for the fiber bundle while also capturing and redirecting decoupled light, and serving as an aesthetic element, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to separate components for each function.
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 enhances lighting efficiency by utilizing decoupled light for various vehicle lighting functions and serves as a styling element, improving the aesthetic appeal of vehicle lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical fibers, a light source coupled to the plurality of optical fibers and operable to direct light into input ends of the plurality of optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
a fiber cover having a predetermined cross-sectional shape configured to hold the plurality of optical fibers in a bundled position and to transmit light into an outer region of the plurality of optical fibers defining an illumination region
Implementation Method 3
The fiber cover includes phosphors or quantum dots
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber bundle includes a plurality of optical fibers, a light source, and a fiber cover. The light source is coupled to the plurality of optical fibers and operable to direct light into input ends of the plurality of optical fibers. The fiber cover has a predetermined cross-sectional shape configured to hold the plurality of optical fibers in a bundled position and to transmit light into an outer region of the plurality of optical fibers defining an illumination region for vehicle lighting functions.