Faceted Vehicle Interior Lighting with Planar Light Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior lighting solutions for motor vehicles lack a novel constructional setup to create a unique and aesthetically pleasing ambient lighting experience while providing flexible light distribution and personalization options.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device featuring a faceted plastic cover plate and planar luminous elements, such as flat light guides or OLEDs, with adjustable color LEDs, and a projection apparatus for dynamic light effects, integrated into the vehicle's interior trim to create a comprehensive and memorable ambient illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional interior lighting solutions are used, then basic illumination is provided, but aesthetic appeal and ambient lighting quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is segmented into multiple planar luminous elements arranged in a specific geometric pattern, with each element contributing to the overall ambient lighting effect. The faceted cover plate is also segmented into multiple planar surfaces that redirect light in different directions, creating a sophisticated lighting pattern without requiring a complex single-component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional point-source or linear lighting to planar luminous elements that emit light from two-dimensional surfaces. The faceted cover plate adds another dimensional layer by creating multiple light redirection surfaces, transforming the lighting from simple illumination to multi-dimensional ambient lighting with enhanced aesthetic appeal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting functions are integrated, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device integrates multiple functions including ambient lighting, reading light, and projection capabilities within a single unified structure. The planar luminous elements serve both aesthetic ambient lighting and functional illumination purposes, while the faceted cover plate contributes to both ambient light distribution and projection surface functionality, reducing the need for separate lighting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the ambient lighting function, reading light function, and projection function into a single integrated device. The planar luminous elements and faceted cover plate work together to provide multiple lighting modes without requiring separate luminaires, thereby improving versatility while managing system complexity through unified design.
3Shape
If a faceted cover plate is used, then aesthetic appearance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The faceted cover plate is designed with segmented planar surfaces that can be manufactured using standard molding techniques. Each facet is a simple planar surface that redirects light in a specific direction, and the entire faceted structure can be produced as a single molded plastic component, avoiding the need for complex assembly while achieving the desired aesthetic appearance.
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 a visually appealing, flexible, and personalized ambient lighting experience that enhances the interior ambiance of motor vehicles, offering a combination of direct and indirect illumination, reading light functions, and dynamic projection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
in a respective flat light guide, light originating from the number of light sources and entering into an input coupling portion of its edge is guided along the opposite side faces and is at least partially emitted via the side faces in the process
Implementation Method 2
the cover plate has a transmittance of greater than zero for visible light... the transmittance is preferably greater than 50%
Implementation Method 3
the cover plate has a faceted outer surface, that is to say its outer surface has a plurality of plane facets... results in an appealing, very memorable shape of the lighting device in the style of a diamond
Implementation Method 4
The illuminant of the lighting device comprises one or more planar luminous elements... the illuminant comprises a number of light sources (preferably one or more LEDs, for example single color LEDs and/or white light LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus for the interior of a motor vehicle includes a housing on which a light-transmissive cover is provided, and an illuminant configured to produce light in the interior of the housing, the light emerging from the illumination apparatus through the cover to illuminate the interior. The cover includes a faceted outer surface made of a plurality of plane facets. Further, the illuminant includes one or more flat lighting elements in the interior of the housing, each flat lighting element having two extensive opposing side surfaces and an edge situated between the side surfaces, the illuminant being configured such that light is emitted through both side surfaces of a respective flat lighting element during operation, with the light emerging from the illumination apparatus through the cover.