Elongated Light Guide Illumination Device Flowing Light Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular illumination devices that create a flowing light effect are costly and complex due to the need for multiple light sources and intricate electronic control systems, often resulting in insufficient brightness in the central area and a non-smooth light movement appearance.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device with an elongated light guide and two light sources at opposite ends, controlled to gradually increase and decrease brightness in a synchronized manner to create the illusion of smoothly flowing light, using a controller to manage the lighting of the sources to achieve a seamless light transition across the guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are arranged within a cover and controlled to light successively in one direction, then an illumination effect such that light appears as if flowing linearly is achieved, but the control portion with electronic circuit and control program becomes complicated and the wiring becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources into a single light source that illuminates an elongated light guiding member. This light guiding member then distributes the light to multiple emission points along its length, effectively combining the function of multiple light sources into one, thereby simplifying the control portion and wiring while maintaining the flowing light effect
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding member acts as an intermediary between the single light source and the multiple emission points. It receives light from one end and transmits it along its length, enabling the creation of a flowing light effect at multiple positions without requiring multiple light sources or complex control circuits
2Illumination intensity
If the movement distance of the light is increased, then the illumination effect is enhanced, but the number of necessary light sources is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light transmission path into multiple sections along the elongated light guiding member. Each section emits light independently, creating the appearance of light moving across the entire length without requiring multiple physical light sources. The light guiding member is divided into multiple emission regions that can be controlled to create the illusion of light progression
3Quantity of substance
If light sources are disposed at both ends of an elongated light guiding member, then the number of light sources is reduced, but the neighborhood of the central part is far from the light sources and brightness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different emission characteristics at different positions along the light guiding member. The central regions are designed to emit light effectively, ensuring sufficient brightness in the middle sections. The light guiding member has varying optical properties along its length to distribute light uniformly, with enhanced emission capability in central regions to compensate for the distance from end light sources
4Illumination intensity
If fully lit state and unlit state of each light source are combined to produce flowing light effect, then the illumination effect is achieved, but the light emission mode changes stepwisely and the movement cannot be expressed as a smooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by making the light guiding member continuously emit light along its entire length rather than switching between fully lit and unlit states. The light is distributed continuously along the elongated member, and by controlling the illumination timing at different positions, a smooth flowing effect is achieved without stepwise transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a moving illumination pattern along the light guiding member. The light emission is dynamically controlled to progress from one end to the other, giving the appearance of light flowing smoothly. The illumination timing and intensity are dynamically adjusted at different positions to create the illusion of continuous light movement rather than static on/off states
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 produces a smooth flowing light effect with a reduced number of light sources, enhancing brightness uniformity and reducing system complexity while maintaining a cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated light guide; a first light source that applies light to a first end surface of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device includes: an elongated light guide; a first light source; a second light source; and a controller. A first increase beginning time point at which the brightness of the first light source begins to increase from zero is prior to a second increase beginning time point at which the brightness of the second light source begins to increase from zero. A first increase finish time point at which the brightness of the first light source finishes increasing to the first set brightness is simultaneous with or prior to a second increase finish time point at which the brightness of the second light source finishes increasing to the second set brightness. A time from the first increase beginning time point to the second increase finish time point is not more than 0.2 seconds.