Faceted Light Blade Sidemarker Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle sidemarker identifiers often rely on point sources, which may not meet regulatory requirements for light intensity and visibility from prescriptive angles, and lack an aesthetically striking visual signature.
Innovation Solution
A sidemarker light assembly featuring a light blade with a faceted front and rear face, supported by a T-shaped bracket, that collects and transmits light from a light source, such as LEDs, to create a unique visual signature and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a point source is used for the sidemarker identifier, then the structure is simple, but the light intensity and visibility from prescriptive angles do not meet regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The light blade is divided into multiple facets (first faceted surface and second faceted surface) that segment and redirect light from the point source in specific directions, enabling compliance with prescriptive viewing angle requirements while maintaining a simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a zero-dimensional point source to a one-dimensional light blade structure, extending the light path spatially to achieve required visibility from multiple angles without significantly increasing structural complexity
2Shape
If a point source is used for the sidemarker identifier, then the manufacturing is simple, but the visual signature is not aesthetically striking
Solution Approach 1:
The light blade incorporates curved or angled faceted surfaces that create distinctive light patterns and visual signatures, transforming the appearance from a simple point source to an aesthetically striking element while using standard manufacturing techniques for molded plastic components
Solution Approach 2:
The faceted surfaces of the light blade are designed to manipulate light reflection and refraction, creating varying visual effects and signatures that enhance aesthetic appeal while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes
3Shape
If a light blade is used instead of a point source, then the visual signature is aesthetically striking, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light blade serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light guide, a structural support element, and an aesthetic visual signature element, thereby reducing the need for separate components and minimizing overall device complexity despite the enhanced visual capabilities
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 sidemarker light assembly effectively meets regulatory requirements for light intensity and visibility while providing an aesthetically striking visual signature, ensuring compliance and enhancing the motor vehicle's appearance.
Implementation Method 1
Light from the light source is transmitted through the light blade and emitted from the second end
Implementation Method 2
A faceted front and rear faces of the light blade allows for the creation of a unique and aesthetically striking visual signature
Implementation Method 3
A faceted front and rear faces of the light blade allows for the creation of a unique and aesthetically striking visual signature
Data Source
AI summary
A sidemarker light assembly includes a support bracket, a light blade carried on the support bracket and a light source in communication with the first end of the light blade. Light from that light source is then transmitted through the light blade and emitted from a second end of the light blade to provide a sidemarker indication. A motor vehicle light assembly incorporating the sidemarker light assembly is also disclosed.