Edge-Lit Vehicle Light Guide With Hidden 3D Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems for electric vehicle front panels are decorative but lack functional illumination, and the illumination is visible even in the unilluminated state, which is not aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system for external cladding parts that uses a light-guide body made from transparent thermoplastic, laser-structured to create three-dimensional features, combined with a housing element and light sources to generate a "secret until lit" effect, where the features are only visible when illuminated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate components with light-transmitting materials are integrated into front panels to provide illumination, then illumination function is achieved, but the illumination becomes visible in the unilluminated state and is only decorative
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is extracted as a separate module that can be independently controlled. The light guide body is integrated into the front panel but the illumination sources are separately controllable, allowing the illumination structure to be hidden when not in use while providing functional illumination when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-changing properties through the combination of transparent thermoplastic material and laser structuring. The material appears uniform and opaque in the unilluminated state but changes to reveal three-dimensional features and illumination when light is applied, effectively hiding the illumination structure when not in use.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the front panel is made uniformly coloured to provide aesthetic appearance, then visual uniformity is achieved, but three-dimensional characteristic features cannot be visible
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional characteristic features are pre-structured into the light guide body using laser technology before the illumination is activated. The uniform coloured appearance is maintained in the unilluminated state, and upon illumination, the pre-structured features become visible, effectively providing both visual uniformity and feature visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel transitions dynamically between two states: a uniform coloured appearance in the unilluminated state and a state with visible three-dimensional features when illuminated. This dynamic transformation allows the panel to provide aesthetic uniformity when needed and reveal characteristic features when illumination is activated.
3Loss of information
If laser structuring is applied to create three-dimensional features, then characteristic features become visible, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The laser structuring process is merged with the existing front panel manufacturing process. The light guide body is produced as an integrated component during the injection molding process, and the laser structuring is applied subsequently to create three-dimensional features, combining multiple functions into a single manufacturing flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the laser structuring process to create three-dimensional features. By controlling laser parameters such as power, speed, and pattern, complex three-dimensional characteristic features are created on the light guide body without requiring additional complex manufacturing steps.
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 system provides a visually uniform appearance in the unilluminated state, with three-dimensional features becoming visible upon illumination, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality, such as safety and communication through illuminated symbols.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source arranged in the at least one installation space, the light source being couplable into at least one side face of the configuration region and being couplable out in the further beam path at the laser structure, and subsequently shining through the configuration region on the outer side in order to generate the three-dimensional characteristic feature
Implementation Method 2
the configuration region being formed as a light-guide body from a transparent thermoplastic material which is suitable for laser engraving, for example a PMMA, the configuration region forming a light window and being processed by means of a laser structure on the rear-side face or by means of local structures inside the configuration region
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination for a motor vehicle includes a light-guide, a housing element, and a light source. The light-guide is arranged in the housing, with the light source arranged to project light into a side face of the light-guide. An air gap is formed between a colored coating, provided in an inner bottom surface of the housing, and the light-guide. The light-guide might include a portion covering the light source, and including an additional colored coating.