Dual-Source Interior Light Module for Day-Night Trim Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the automobile sector, existing interior lighting systems for passenger compartments struggle to provide adaptive lighting that balances daytime visibility with nighttime subtlety, particularly when using noble materials, without risking overlighting that could distract drivers or passengers.

Innovation Solution

A light module with two light sources, one for direct backlighting and another for indirect lighting by reflection, allows for adjustable lighting intensity based on conditions, using light-emitting diodes and a flexible electronic strip to adapt to the compartment's shape and material, ensuring high intensity when needed while maintaining subdued lighting at night.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a single light source is used to illuminate the interior trim, then the lighting intensity can be increased to highlight the material, but it causes overlighting that distracts occupants at night

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting intensityVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single light source into two separate light sources: a first light source for backlighting and a second light source for reflection lighting. This segmentation allows independent control of lighting intensity for each function, enabling high intensity backlighting during daytime without causing harmful overlighting at nighttime by using only the second light source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If high intensity lighting is used to make trim patterns visible during daytime, then visibility is improved, but it creates harmful overlighting conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidoccupant distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic lighting control by providing two independently controllable light sources with different lighting characteristics. The system can adaptively switch between backlighting mode (first light source) for daytime visibility and reflection mode (second light source) for nighttime comfort, or combine both modes simultaneously, thereby dynamically adjusting to environmental conditions to avoid harmful overlighting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If backlighting is used to provide direct high intensity light through the trim element, then light intensity is maintained, but it is unsuitable for nighttime conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensityVSAvoidlighting adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional lighting system where the first light source provides backlighting for daytime visibility requirements, while the second light source provides reflection lighting suitable for nighttime conditions. Both light sources can be used independently or simultaneously, making the lighting system universally adaptable to different environmental conditions and occupancy needs throughout the day and night.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 adaptive interior lighting that enhances the aesthetic appeal of noble materials during the day while minimizing nighttime distractions, ensuring optimal visibility and comfort through adjustable light intensity.

Implementation Method 1

the first light source emits light rays through the covering element, from the first face of the covering element to the second face of the covering element, thus producing backlighting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the light rays emitted by the second light source are reflected on the second face of the covering element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4061672B1Light module for vehicle interior lighting
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4061672B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4061672B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4061672B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A light module (4) for lighting a vehicle passenger compartment comprises at least one light source (22, 24) configured to emit light rays and a compartment panelling component (12) arranged on the path of the light rays emitted by the at least one light source (22, 24), the light module (4) comprising at least one first light source (22) configured to emit light rays on a first face (42) of the panelling component (12) and at least one second light source (24) configured to emit light rays on a second face (14) of the panelling component (12) opposite the first face (42). The rays emitted on the second face (14) create indirect lighting and the rays emitted on the first face (42) which are intended to pass through the panelling component (12) from the first face to the second face create direct lighting or backlighting.