Vehicle Lighting Fixture With Hidden Source and Transparent Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting fixtures do not achieve a transparent appearance when the light is off and visibility of light through a transparent part when the light is on, as they often have visible light sources and reflective components that do not meet these criteria.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting fixture design featuring a light source positioned to be non-visible when off, using a reflective portion with a refractive index greater than 1, and a shielding member to block the light source from view, while the reflective portion is transparent and positioned to emit light in a predetermined direction when the light is on, allowing visibility through a transparent part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is positioned within the light emission range of the outer lens, then the light can be emitted effectively, but the light source becomes visible when the light is off, compromising the transparent appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the conventional position within the light emission range of the outer lens and relocated to a position outside this range. Specifically, the light source is disposed behind the reflective portion, which is positioned at a location where its light emission does not directly overlap with the outer lens's light emission range. This extraction resolves the contradiction by allowing effective light emission through the reflective portion and outer lens while keeping the light source hidden when off.
2Ease of operation
If the reflective portion is made transparent with refractive index greater than 1, then the light can be reflected and emitted in predetermined direction, but the light source may still be visible through the transparent reflective portion
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective portion serves as an intermediary element between the light source and the outer lens. It is a transparent member with refractive index greater than 1 that reflects light from the light source and emits it in a predetermined direction toward the outer lens. The light source is positioned behind the reflective portion such that the reflective portion mediates the light path, allowing direction control while preventing direct line-of-sight visibility of the light source when off.
3Shape
If the light source is positioned behind the reflective portion, then the light source remains hidden when off, but the light emission path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective portion and the outer lens are merged into a coordinated optical system where the reflective portion is positioned in front of the outer lens. The light source, reflective portion, and outer lens work together as an integrated assembly. The reflective portion reflects light from the light source toward the outer lens, which then emits the light externally. This merging simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate complex optical paths while achieving the desired light source concealment and light emission functionality.
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 design ensures a transparent appearance when the light is off and allows light to be seen through a transparent part when on, enhancing aesthetic and functional aspects by providing a compact and efficient lighting solution.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective portion which reflects the light from the light source portion and emits the light in a predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
the reflective portion is constituted by a transparent member whose refractive index at least in a visible light range is larger than 1
Data Source
AI summary
When light is off, a transparent appearance is obtained, while when the light is on, light is seen through a transparent spot. The present invention includes a light source portion and a reflective portion. The light source portion emits light. The light source portion is disposed at a position shifted with respect to an emitting direction of emitted light from the reflective portion. The reflective portion reflects the light from the light source portion and emits it in a predetermined direction. The reflective portion is constituted by a transparent member with a refractive index at least in a visible light area larger than 1. As a result, in the present invention, the transparent appearance is obtained when the light is off, while the light is seen through the transparent spot when the light is on.