Vehicle Door Seal Layout for Direct Window Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for illuminating vehicle windows, such as using light guides or arranging light sources in door seals, are not adaptable to all window geometries, particularly sliding side windows, and result in suboptimal light output due to light loss and inability to independently illuminate different areas, with high production costs and susceptibility to external pollution.
Innovation Solution
A door seal with a housing that includes a group of point light sources, such as light-emitting diodes, arranged longitudinally and equipped with a common light diffuser to illuminate marked diffusion patterns directly, ensuring efficient and uniform lighting by directing light rays through the window's inner face, while being protected from external pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are arranged in the outer seal of the door, then the light sources can illuminate the window, but the light sources are exposed to external pollution which reduces their brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the seal body housing) that positions light sources in a protected location while still enabling light to reach the window. The seal body acts as a mediator between the light source and the external environment, shielding the light source from pollution while maintaining illumination functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light source is arranged in an outer seal below the sealing lips, then the light source is protected from pollution, but the light rays cannot reach the window directly causing light intensity losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of light source arrangement by positioning light sources on the inner face of the seal body rather than below the sealing lips. This dimensional repositioning allows light to travel directly through the window while maintaining protection, resolving the contradiction between protection and light efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If a light guide is used to illuminate the window, then the entire length of the glass is illuminated simultaneously, but different areas cannot be independently illuminated and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system by using multiple independent light sources arranged along the seal body instead of a single light guide. This segmentation allows different areas of the window to be independently illuminated while simplifying the overall system structure by eliminating the need for a light guide.
4Illumination intensity
If light sources are arranged to illuminate diffusion patterns on the window, then the light scattering effect is achieved, but the light sources must be positioned far from the window surface reducing illumination efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the thin flexible lip of the seal body to bridge the gap between the light source housing and the window surface. The flexible lip allows the light source to be positioned very close to the window while maintaining proper sealing and protection, enabling efficient illumination of diffusion patterns without requiring the light source to be far from the window.
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 efficient, uniform illumination of vehicle windows, maximizing light output and extending the lifespan of light sources by using a common light diffuser to distribute light evenly and positioning light sources close to the diffusion patterns, while maintaining a clean and protected environment.
Implementation Method 1
each first light source being offset transversely relative to the window and emitting light rays directly towards a first free side of the glass
Implementation Method 2
the light rays that reach the scattering pattern are scattered, thus giving the sensation that the scattering pattern is luminous
Implementation Method 3
a light diffuser is interposed between the light source and the opening of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a door seal (28) inserted between one of the edges (23) of a slot (21) in the door and an opposing face (24) of a window (22) sliding in the slot (21), comprising a seal body (32) secured to said edge (23) of the slot (21) and at least one flexible lip (34) extending transversely away from the body (32) until a free outer edge (35) which is resting on said face (24) of the window (22), at least one visible portion (22B) of the window (22) in the fully closed position being located above the seal (28). This seal is characterised in that it has, in cross-section, a recess (54) leading through an opening (56) directly onto the visible portion (22B) of the window (22), at least one light source (50) being arranged in the recess (54) on one face of the seal forming a support (325) so as to emit light rays exiting through the opening (56) in order to reach the visible portion (22B) of the window (22) directly by said opposing face (24).