Flat Light Guide With Bonded Protective Layer for Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices with built-in light guides in vehicles face issues of light loss and contamination due to scratches, dirt, and fingerprints, which require additional protective measures that increase installation space and cost, and are not effectively addressed in flat light guides.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting device design featuring a flat light guide with a directly bonded protective layer on its light-emitting side and a housing covering the rear side to prevent soiling, combined with a decoupling structure for efficient light redirection and a touch-sensitive film for user input, minimizing reflective surfaces and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional protective measures (cover lens, diffuser, lens array) are used to protect the light guide from scratches and dirt, then the light guide is protected from contamination, but the installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective layer and light guide into a single integrated component. The protective layer is directly bonded to the light guide surface, eliminating the need for separate cover lenses, diffusers, or lens arrays. This merging reduces the number of individual components and minimizes installation space while maintaining protection against scratches, fingerprints, and dirt.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a protective layer bonded to a light guide. The protective layer is made of a material that is resistant to scratches and contamination, while the light guide maintains its optical properties. This composite design provides both protection and optical functionality in a single integrated component, reducing the need for additional protective elements.
2Reliability
If additional protective measures (cover lens, diffuser, lens array) are used to protect the light guide from scratches and dirt, then the light guide is protected from contamination, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective layer and light guide into a single integrated component. The protective layer is directly bonded to the light guide surface, eliminating the need for separate cover lenses, diffusers, or lens arrays. This merging reduces the number of individual components and minimizes installation space while maintaining protection against scratches, fingerprints, and dirt.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a protective layer bonded to a light guide. The protective layer is made of a material that is resistant to scratches and contamination, while the light guide maintains its optical properties. This composite design provides both protection and optical functionality in a single integrated component, reducing the need for additional protective elements.
3Volume of stationary object
If the light guide is made accessible (without fine slot or cover lens) then the installation space is reduced, but the light guide becomes vulnerable to scratches and fingerprints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective layer and light guide into a single integrated component. The protective layer is directly bonded to the light guide surface, eliminating the need for separate cover lenses, diffusers, or lens arrays. This merging reduces the number of individual components and minimizes installation space while maintaining protection against scratches, fingerprints, and dirt.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a protective layer specifically to the light guide surface that is exposed to the environment. The protective layer has different properties than the light guide material itself - it is more resistant to scratches and contamination. This local quality enhancement provides protection only where needed, without adding overall system complexity or space requirements.
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 results in a space-saving, cost-effective lighting device with reduced light loss and protection from contamination, providing a homogeneous illumination effect while allowing for user interaction and precise light control.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide can also be designed to conduct light by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
The light guide also has a decoupling structure on its rear side opposite the light exit side, which is designed to deflect light. By redirecting the light, the redirected light exits the light guide via the light exit side
Implementation Method 3
In particular, the protective layer is at least partially, especially predominantly, transparent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (10) with a flat light guide (12) which has a protective layer (18) directly connected to a light guide core (16) on its light exit side (30) at least in a visible area (32), into which light (24) from at least one light source (22) can be coupled via the light guide core (16) via at least one coupling-in side (20), and which has a coupling-out structure (28) on its rear side (26) opposite the light exit side (30), which structure is set up to deflect light (24), as a result of which the deflected light (24) can be coupled into the light guide core (16) via at least one coupling-in side (20).(24) emerges from the light guide (12) into the environment via the light exit side (30), and with a housing (14) which covers the rear side (26) at least in overlap with the entire visible area (32) of the light guide (12) on a side facing away from the light exit side (30) and is connected to the light guide (12) in a dust-proof and contamination-proof manner.