Floating Light Symbol via Offset Secondary Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for displaying switch functions in vehicles, such as backlit symbols, require significant space and do not provide additional visual identification beyond simple backlighting, limiting their effectiveness in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a diaphragm, primary optics, and a primary light source, combined with a laterally offset secondary light source and an additional light guide with a pigmented symbol, creates a floating light symbol by reflecting secondary light through the light window, enhancing visibility and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a simple backlight with a transparent symbol is used, then the switch is visible in the dark, but the device requires significant installation space and provides no additional visual effects for identification
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two independent lighting systems: a primary backlight system for basic visibility and a secondary light guide system for symbol identification. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized independently, with the secondary system using a lateral offset arrangement that reduces overall space requirements while maintaining both visibility functions
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary light source is positioned in a lateral dimension offset from the primary light source, rather than stacking vertically or horizontally in the same plane. This dimensional repositioning allows the light guide to route light through a different spatial path, reducing the footprint area required for installation while maintaining effective illumination
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple backlight is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but no floating light symbol is created for enhanced identification
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide acts as an intermediary optical element between the secondary light source and the symbol. This intermediary component enables the creation of a floating light symbol effect by directing and shaping the light in a specific manner, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple and compatible with conventional manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The pigmented symbol on the light guide creates an optical copy or representation of the switch function that appears to float independently. This visual copying effect enhances identification without requiring complex mechanical structures, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while delivering enhanced visual information
3Ease of operation
If circumferential light guides are used around the light window, then touch-sensitive elements are indicated, but the device requires significant space and provides only simple backlighting without additional visual effects
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol identification function is extracted from the traditional circumferential light guide arrangement and repositioned to a lateral offset location. This extraction allows the symbol to be displayed separately from the main light window perimeter, reducing the overall area required while maintaining clear indication of the touch-sensitive element's position and function
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 cost-effective, low-maintenance, and space-saving method to clearly identify operating elements, including touch-sensitive switches, with a floating light symbol that is easily recognizable in poor lighting conditions, improving user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an additional light guide runs between the primary light source and the light window, the additional light guide having a pigmented symbol. Secondary light emitted from the secondary light source can be coupled into the auxiliary light guide in such a way that the secondary light is at least partially reflectable by the pigmented symbol and deflected through the light window.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for displaying a floating light symbol, comprising an aperture (7) having a light window (8), a primary optic (3), and a primary light source (10) whose emitted primary light is directed by the primary optic (3) in a direction toward the light window (8). Furthermore, at least one secondary light source (2) is arranged offset from the primary light source (10), and an additional light guide (4) runs between the primary light source (10) and the light window (8). The additional light guide (4) has a pigmented symbol (11), and emitted secondary light from the secondary light source (2) can be coupled into the additional light guide (4) such that the secondary light is at least partially reflectable by the pigmented symbol (11) and deflected through the light window (8). The invention also relates to a system and a method for displaying a floating light symbol.