Flat Lighting Device With Partially Metal-Coated Faces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices for vehicle interiors are space-intensive and costly due to the separate arrangements of interior, reading, and ambient light functions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a flat light-emitting means having a transparent and partially metal-coated side face, along with a further metal-coated face, where light is reflected and transmitted to create a depth effect, allowing for both interior and ambient lighting functions in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light-emitting elements are arranged next to one another in the plane to provide interior light, reading light, and ambient light functions, then the lighting device can fulfill multiple lighting functions, but the device occupies a relatively large amount of space in the plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement of light-emitting elements to a three-dimensional configuration using a flat light-emitting means with reflective faces. The light-emitting means has a first side face and a second side face spaced apart, creating depth and allowing multiple lighting functions (interior light, ambient light, reading light) to be achieved within a compact planar footprint by utilizing the third dimension for light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat light-emitting means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides interior light through direct emission, ambient light through the partially metal-coated second face, and reading light through selective illumination. The single integrated component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate light sources arranged in the plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate lighting components are used to provide interior light, reading light, and ambient light, then each lighting function can be optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lighting functions into a single flat light-emitting means component. The integrated design combines the light source, reflective surfaces, and light distribution mechanisms into one unified structure, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining optimized lighting performance for interior, ambient, and reading light functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat light-emitting means is designed as a universal component that performs multiple lighting functions simultaneously. The first side face provides interior illumination, the partially metal-coated second face provides ambient illumination, and the structured design enables focused reading light, all within a single optimized component rather than requiring separate specialized components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second side face is partially metal-coated to create ambient light through reflection, then ambient light function is achieved, but light intensity control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second side face of the flat light-emitting means is partially metal-coated rather than fully coated, creating zones with different reflective properties. This local differentiation allows specific areas to reflect light for ambient illumination while other areas transmit or absorb light, enabling controlled light distribution and intensity variation without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The partial metal coating on the second face changes the optical parameters of the surface, creating a gradient or zoned structure that naturally controls light reflection and distribution. This physical parameter modification provides passive light intensity control, reducing the need for active control mechanisms.
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 enables a space-saving and cost-effective implementation of both interior and ambient lighting functions, with adjustable light intensity and distribution, while preventing direct light exit in certain orientations.
Implementation Method 1
light is partially reflected on the partially metal-coated face and is then reflected on the partially or completely metal-coated third face back in the direction towards the partially metal-coated second face
Implementation Method 2
another proportion of the light passes through the partially metal-coated face
Implementation Method 3
the light-emitting means or the further light-emitting means outputs or output light in the direction towards the second metal-coated face, which light is partially reflected and is mirrored again on the third face
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device comprising a flat light-emitting means having two side faces, wherein a first side face is transparent and a second side face is partially metal-coated, having a partially or completely metal-coated further third face, which is arranged parallel to but spaced apart from the second partially metal-coated face, and comprising at least one further light-emitting means, which outputs light in the direction of the partially metal-coated second face, which light is partially reflected on the partially metal-coated second face and is then reflected on the partially or completely metal-coated third face back in the direction towards the partially metal-coated second face and is partially transmitted through the partially metal-coated second face.