Illuminated Emblem Assembly with Micro LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle emblems lack durability and aesthetic appeal under both ambient and illuminated conditions, particularly in harsh environmental conditions such as the under-the-hood configuration where temperature resistance is required.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated emblem assembly featuring a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly with a translucent base region, an indium-containing chromatic layer, and a UV-stable polycarbonate sealing structure that provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing appearance under ambient lighting and emits a uniform glow when illuminated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional emblem materials are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but durability and environmental resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The emblem assembly uses a composite structure combining polycarbonate sealing structure, indium-containing chromatic layer, translucent base region, and light-emitting diode array. This composite material approach provides superior durability, temperature resistance, and environmental protection compared to traditional single-material emblems, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity.
2Shape
If simple emblem structure is used, then manufacturing is easy, but aesthetic appeal under ambient and illuminated conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The emblem incorporates an indium-containing chromatic layer that provides chrome-like appearance and color differentiation, combined with a translucent base region and LED array for illumination. This local quality enhancement creates distinct aesthetic zones (ambient appearance vs. illuminated appearance) that resolve the contradiction between aesthetic appeal and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indium-containing chromatic layer provides color stability and chrome-like appearance under ambient conditions, while the LED array enables color changes and illumination effects when activated. This color change capability allows the emblem to display different aesthetic qualities under different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appeal and manufacturing ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If emblem is designed for ambient lighting only, then manufacturing is simple, but performance under illuminated conditions and environmental resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The emblem assembly serves multiple functions: it provides ambient lighting reflection through the chromatic layer, active illumination through the LED array, environmental sealing through the polycarbonate structure, and temperature resistance. This multi-functionality allows the single assembly to adapt to both ambient and illuminated conditions while providing environmental protection, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and assembly complexity.
4Reliability
If UV-stable polycarbonate sealing structure is used, then temperature resistance and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polycarbonate sealing structure is specifically selected for its UV stability and temperature resistance properties. By changing the material parameter (selecting UV-stable polycarbonate with appropriate glass transition temperature), the emblem achieves superior environmental resistance and durability. This material parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing complexity, as the selected material provides both performance and manufacturability.
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 enhances the durability and aesthetic appeal of vehicle emblems by maintaining their attractiveness over time, offering temperature resistance and a chrome-like appearance under ambient conditions while providing a uniform glow when illuminated, thus addressing the need for improved environmental resistance and attractiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The light-producing assembly includes a plurality of light-emitting diode sources
Implementation Method 2
a translucent base region over the light sources
Implementation Method 3
an indium-containing chromatic layer over the translucent base region
Implementation Method 4
an indium-containing chromatic layer over the translucent base region
Implementation Method 5
a UV-stable polycarbonate sealing structure over the chromatic layer
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated emblem assembly that includes a power source; a light-producing assembly that is coupled to the power source, supported by a backing member and comprises a plurality of light-emitting diode sources; a chromatic layer comprising an emblem shape over the light-producing assembly, wherein the shape is visible under ambient lighting; and a polycarbonate sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. Further, the sealing structure can comprise a design feature. In addition, the plurality of light-emitting diode sources can be dispersed in the light-producing assembly. The light-emitting diode sources can also be micro-sized elements comprising gallium nitride that are arranged on a positive electrode layer in the form of an ink.