Illuminated Radiator Grille Assembly With Rib-Integrated Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated radiator grilles either require replacement of the original opaque grille, obstruct airflow, or suffer from non-homogeneous light emission and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising an opaque radiator grille with ribs, a light bar, a light bar support, and a light guide section made of translucent material, where the light guide is positioned within cutouts in the ribs to ensure homogeneous light emission and maintain airflow, using LED light sources for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a completely transparent radiator grille is used for illumination, then light emission is improved, but durability against dirt, scratches, and impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator grille is divided into opaque ribs and transparent light guide sections. The opaque ribs maintain durability and structural integrity, while the transparent light guide sections provide illumination. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the radiator grille have different optical properties. The ribs are opaque for durability and structural support, while specific sections are made transparent or translucent to allow light emission. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between illumination and durability.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources illuminate opaque sections of the grille, then illumination is achieved, but light homogeneity and appearance modification possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide component acts as an intermediary between the light source and the opaque grille sections. The light guide receives light from LEDs and distributes it uniformly across the grille surface, enabling both homogeneous illumination and flexible appearance design without directly illuminating opaque sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different material properties (transparency, translucency, opacity) and light distribution parameters to achieve homogeneous illumination. By changing the optical parameters of the light guide and grille sections, the system achieves uniform light distribution and versatile appearance modification.
3Illumination intensity
If the light guide is positioned to be visible through air passages, then direct light emission is improved, but light homogeneity deteriorates due to rib obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is extracted from the traditional position behind the grille and integrated into the rib structure itself. By placing the light guide within the ribs, the obstruction caused by ribs is eliminated, and direct light emission is maintained while achieving homogeneous illumination through the light guide's inherent light-distributing properties.
4Illumination intensity
If the original opaque radiator grille is replaced by a transparent grille, then illumination is achieved, but airflow functionality is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator grille is segmented into opaque functional ribs that maintain airflow channels and transparent light guide sections that provide illumination. This segmentation ensures that airflow functionality is preserved while achieving the desired illumination effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide sections are integrated into the existing grille structure, allowing the same component to serve multiple functions: maintaining structural integrity, enabling airflow through opaque sections, and providing illumination through transparent sections. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between illumination and airflow.
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
Provides brighter, more homogeneous illumination with improved durability and design aesthetics, while maintaining airflow functionality without replacing the original grille.
Implementation Method 1
using LED light sources for illumination
Implementation Method 2
a light guide section made of translucent material, where the light guide is positioned within cutouts in the ribs to ensure homogeneous light emission
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an illuminated radiator grille (1) assembly comprising a radiator grille (1), which is made of opaque material and comprises ribs (7), which delimit air passage openings (2) therebetween. The assembly also comprises a lighting strip (3), a lighting strip holder (4), a light guide part (5) and a rear cover (6), which is designed to be arranged between the radiator grille (1) and the space under the bonnet. The radiator grille (1) is connected to the rear cover (6), and the lighting strip (3) is fastened to the rear cover (6) by means of the lighting strip holder (4). Each rib (7) has, toward the rear cover (6), a cut-out (8) for the light guide part, the light guide part (5) extending along the lighting strip (3) between the lighting strip (3) and the radiator grille (1), and some of the volume of the light guide part being located in the cut-outs (8) for the light guide part.