Light-Emitting Emblem Optics for Thin Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle emblems with multiple LED light sources are inefficient in terms of space utilization and thickness, necessitating a more compact and effective design.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting emblem utilizing a single light source, a light guide with tapered reflection faces, and an outer lens, along with a mask and undulating-profile portion, to distribute light evenly across both inner and outer peripheral portions without the need for multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LED light sources are used to illuminate different regions of the emblem, then illumination coverage is improved, but the emblem thickness and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple regions (first light guide region, second light guide region, third light guide region) with different refractive indices, allowing a single light source to illuminate different areas of the emblem effectively. This segmentation enables regional light control without adding multiple physical light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary between the single light source and the emblem surface. By incorporating regions with different refractive indices within the light guide, light from one source can be redirected and distributed to multiple areas, eliminating the need for multiple LED sources while maintaining comprehensive illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are positioned at different locations, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the light guide are assigned different refractive indices (first, second, and third light guide regions) to optimize light distribution in specific areas. This local variation in optical properties allows uniform light distribution across the emblem while using only a single light source, avoiding the complexity of multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index parameter is changed across different regions of the light guide. By creating a gradient or stepped variation in refractive indices, the light path is controlled to achieve uniform illumination distribution without requiring multiple light sources at different positions.
3Length of stationary object
If light sources are placed close to the emblem surface, then emblem thickness is reduced, but light source visibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as an intermediary layer between the light source and the emblem surface. It allows the light source to be positioned close to the emblem for thin profile while preventing direct visibility of the light source through optical control mechanisms, including refractive index variations and light path management.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure creates different optical zones that control light direction and visibility. By managing light propagation in different regions, the system achieves thin profile with visible light emission while keeping the actual light source hidden from direct view.
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 design reduces the number of light sources required, enhances even brightness distribution, and minimizes direct visibility of the light source, achieving a thinner and more efficient emblem configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide that guides light irradiated from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a first reflection face that reflects light from the light source passing through an inner peripheral portion of the light guide
Implementation Method 3
an outer lens that emits light by transmitting light irradiated from the light guide
Implementation Method 4
a tapered face that narrows on progression toward a light source side, and part of the tapered face configures the first reflection face, and another part of the tapered face configures the second reflection face
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting emblem, including: a light source; a light guide that guides light irradiated from the light source; and an outer lens that emits light by transmitting light irradiated from the light guide, wherein: the light guide is provided with a first reflection face that reflects light from the light source passing through an inner peripheral portion of the light guide for transmission through an inner peripheral portion of the outer lens, and a second reflection face that is provided at a position different from that of the first reflection face and that reflects light from the light source passing through an outer peripheral portion of the light guide for transmission through an outer peripheral portion of the outer lens; the light guide is provided with a tapered face; and the tapered face configures the first reflection face and the second reflection face.