Decor Light Guide Element With Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative light guide elements either have a visible decoration when switched on or off, lacking independent control over lighting and decorative functions, and their light output is influenced by the decoration, making them visually unattractive when off.
Innovation Solution
A decorative light guide element with a flat light guide, a microstructure layer for light coupling, and an intermediate layer of lower refractive index than the light guide, allowing self-illumination when on and visible decoration when off, with light distribution and color unaffected by the decorative element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the decorative element is integrated into the light guide element, then the decorative function is achieved, but the lighting function is influenced by the decoration in terms of color, brightness, and light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent segments: a light guide element for lighting and a separate decorative element for decoration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between achieving decorative function and maintaining light output quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative function is extracted from the light guide element by placing the decorative element separately behind the light guide. This extraction removes the negative influence of the decorative element on light propagation while still allowing the decorative function to be achieved when the light is off.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the decorative element is visible when switched off, then the decorative function is available, but the light guide element appears visually unattractive and annoying when switched off
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device have different optical properties: the light guide element is transparent to allow the decorative element to be visible when off, while the microstructure layer is positioned to control light extraction only when needed. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between decorative visibility and visual attractiveness.
3Illumination intensity
If the decorative element is illuminated when switched on, then the lighting function is achieved, but the decoration influences the light color, intensity and direction
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative element is positioned in a different spatial dimension (behind the light guide element) rather than within the light path. This dimensional separation allows the lighting function to operate independently in the forward direction while the decorative element remains in the background, visible only when the light is off.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a matt non-transparent coating is applied to make the light guide element visually attractive when off, then the aesthetic requirement is met, but the decorative element becomes invisible and the element is optically unattractive when switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide element acts as an intermediary between the light source and the decorative element. When off, it allows the decorative element to be visible through it without requiring a matt coating, thus maintaining both visual attractiveness and decorative visibility simultaneously.
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
Enables independent and alternative use of lighting and decorative functions, with the decorative element being visible when off and not influencing light output when on, providing a surface with both illumination and decoration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a microstructure layer for coupling out the light from the light guide element being arranged on the opposite side of the light guide element
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate layer is arranged between the light guide element and the decorative element, which has a lower refractive index than the material of the light guide element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a decor light guide element (1), a decor surface made of a plurality of segments, wherein at least one of the segments is a decor light guide element (1), and a method for producing a decor light guide element (1) with an illumination function and a decor function. In order to provide a decor light guide element (1), which firstly facilitates illumination that is independent of the decor but secondly also has visible decor in the deactivated state, provision is made for the decor light guide element (1) to have a planar light guide element (2) and a light source (3) for coupling light into the light guide element (2), wherein, on a first side of the light guide element (2), a planar decor element (4) and, on the opposite side of the light guide element (2), a microstructure layer (5) for output coupling of the light from the light guide element (2) are arranged, wherein an intermediate layer (6) is arranged between the light guide element (2) and the decor element (4), said intermediate layer having a lower refractive index than the material of the light guide element (2).