Vehicle Edge Lighting With Light Guide Gap Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle light systems often have gaps where light is not present, creating a non-continuous appearance, which can be undesirable for visibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A light system comprising a housing with a glue bucket, a glue leg, and a light guide that directs light from the light guide into the glue leg, projecting light across gaps to create a continuous illumination effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional light systems are used with separate light sources, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but gaps appear between light sources creating a non-continuous appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between separate light sources to transfer and distribute light across gaps. The light guide receives light from one light source and redirects it to illuminate areas that would otherwise be dark, creating a continuous illumination effect while maintaining the simplicity of having separate light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide extends illumination into a different spatial dimension by projecting light laterally across gaps between light sources. This allows light to reach areas that are not in the direct path of the light source, filling in gaps and creating continuous illumination without adding more light sources.
2Illumination intensity
If light is projected across gaps using additional components, then continuous illumination is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is integrated into the housing structure, merging the illumination function with the structural component. By combining the light guide with the housing, the patent achieves continuous illumination across gaps without adding separate, complex assemblies. The housing serves dual purposes: structural support and light guidance.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to eliminate gaps, then continuous illumination is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as a mediator that allows a single light source to illuminate multiple areas including gaps between light sources. This eliminates the need for additional light sources and their associated mounting, wiring, and control systems, significantly simplifying manufacturing and assembly while achieving continuous illumination.
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 effectively fills gaps in vehicle light systems, ensuring continuous light projection and improved visibility by using a light guide and glue leg to distribute light from a pre-existing light source across areas without initial illumination.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide guides light from the light guide into the glue leg and from the glue leg across the gap so that the light extends across the gap to illuminate the gap
Data Source
AI summary
A light system of a vehicle comprising: a housing comprising: a glue bucket; a glue leg located partially or entirely within the glue bucket; and a light guide located between the glue bucket and the glue leg; wherein the light system is located proximate to a gap in the vehicle and the light guide guides light from the light guide into the glue leg and from the glue leg across the gap so that the light extends across the gap to illuminate the gap.