Illumination Device Light Guide Variable Cross Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination devices using light guides are cost-effective but lack decorative appeal, and those with multiple light sources are expensive to manufacture and control.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device featuring a light guide with a variable cross-section and reflective/non-reflective faces at each end, controlled by a light-amount controller to create dynamic light patterns, enhancing decorative designs by directing light effectively towards the viewer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple light sources are arrayed to create dynamic light patterns, then decorative appeal is improved, but manufacturing cost and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light guide to copy and distribute light from a single light source to multiple positions along the vehicle body. The light guide creates virtual images of the light source at different locations, enabling dynamic light patterns without requiring multiple physical light sources. This reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies control while maintaining decorative appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary between the single light source and the multiple display positions. It transfers and distributes light optically, allowing the system to achieve effects similar to multiple light sources while using only one actual light source. This mediator enables complex patterns without increasing device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single light source is used with a light guide, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but decorative appeal and light uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different optical characteristics at different positions of the light guide. The light guide has varying thickness or refractive properties at different locations, allowing light to be distributed more uniformly across the display area. This enables a single light source to achieve uniform illumination效果 similar to multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the light guide, such as its thickness, refractive index, or surface characteristics, to optimize light distribution. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves uniform light patterns and dynamic effects while using only one light source, thereby maintaining both cost-effectiveness and decorative appeal.
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 allows for the creation of vivid, uniform, and dynamic light displays that enhance the decorative appeal of the illumination device while reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing the number of light sources required.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (1) having a first end (11) and a second end (12) in a longitudinal direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An illumination device includes a light guider (1), first and second light sources (81, 82) emitting light in first and second light-traveling directions (71, 72), and a light-amount controller (89). The light guider (1) has a front face (2), and a back face (3). The back face (3) has an irregular configuration including first reflective and non-reflective faces (31a, 31b), and second reflective and non-reflective faces (32a, 32b). The first reflective and non-reflective faces (31a, 31b) intersect the first light-traveling direction (71) at intersecting angles θ1R and θ1N. The second reflective and non-reflective faces (32a, 32b) intersect the second light-traveling direction (72) at intersecting angles θ2R and θ2N. The intersecting angles θ1R, θ1N, θ2R, and θ2N satisfy any of Requirements (I) through (III) depending on first through third designated installation directions that the light guider (1) involves.