Curved Light Guide for Uniform Instrument Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illuminated dials experience reduced light efficiency due to the need to block over illuminated points at intersections of straight light guide portions, resulting in up to 30% of available light being wasted, which can necessitate additional or more powerful light sources.
Innovation Solution
A light guide assembly featuring a curved transition portion that directs and transmits light from a source to a backlit surface, eliminating over illuminated points and ensuring uniform illumination without the need for additional light sources, thereby optimizing light utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If straight light guide portions are connected at a relative angle to direct light parallel to the dial surface, then the desired aesthetic appearance is achieved, but over illuminated points are created that require blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the angular connection between straight light guide portions with a curved transition portion. This curved geometry smoothly redirects light from one straight portion to another without creating concentrated over-illuminated intersection points, thereby eliminating the need for blocking structures and reducing light loss while maintaining parallel light direction for aesthetic appearance
2Illumination intensity
If blocking structures are added to prevent over illumination at intersection points, then uniform lighted surface is achieved, but up to 30% of available light is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The curved transition portion eliminates the need for blocking structures by smoothly distributing light around what would have been angular intersection points. This curvature-based design maintains uniform illumination across the dial surface while allowing up to 30% more light to reach the illumination target, significantly improving light utilization efficiency
3Illumination intensity
If additional light sources or larger light sources are used to compensate for blocked light, then desired illumination level is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating blocking structures through the use of curved transition portions, the system recovers up to 30% of previously lost light. This recovered light is sufficient to achieve the desired illumination level without adding more light sources or increasing the size of existing ones, thereby maintaining the same power consumption while improving illumination efficiency
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 curved transition portion enhances light efficiency by providing uniform illumination, increasing the amount of light available for dial illumination and reducing the requirement for more light sources or increased power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The transition portion between the light source and the surface behind the instrument surface also transmits a portion of light onto a back side of the instrument surface
Implementation Method 2
The curved transition portion that directs light from a light source into a portion of the light guide behind the instrument surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide assembly for illuminating an instrument surface includes a continuous curved transition portion for uniformly directing and transmitting light from a light source to a backlight surface of the instrument surface. The curved shape of the transition portion is tailored to transmit a desired amount of light into the backlight portion and a desired amount outwardly against a back surface of the instrument surface.