Index-Matched Optical Fiber Lighting in Vehicle Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems are visibly distinct even when unilluminated, which can be aesthetically undesirable and obstruct views through the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
Integration of light guides, specifically optical fibers with light-scattering and non-scattering portions, embedded in a polymer layer within the vehicle structure, allowing unilluminated portions to be transparent and indistinguishable from the vehicle's structure, while illuminated portions scatter light for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing lighting systems are used in vehicles, then lighting functionality is provided, but the systems remain visibly distinct and obstruct views when unilluminated
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide changes its optical properties between illuminated and unilluminated states. When unilluminated, it appears transparent matching the surrounding vehicle structure; when illuminated, it becomes visible to provide lighting functionality. This dynamic appearance change eliminates visual obstruction during normal operation while maintaining lighting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the light guide material to match the surrounding polymer layer when unilluminated, making it invisible. This parameter adjustment allows the light guide to blend seamlessly with the vehicle structure, eliminating visual obstruction without sacrificing lighting function.
2Shape
If light guides are integrated into vehicle structures, then aesthetic appeal is improved by blending in, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is merged with the surrounding polymer layer through index-matching, creating a unified structure that is aesthetically integrated. The light guide becomes an inherent part of the vehicle structure rather than a separate component, simplifying the overall system while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide material is made homogeneous with the surrounding polymer layer by matching refractive indices. This creates a uniform appearance when unilluminated, enhancing aesthetic integration. The homogeneous structure also simplifies manufacturing by reducing the need for complex interfaces between dissimilar materials.
3Illumination intensity
If light-scattering optical fibers are used, then light distribution is improved, but the unilluminated portions become more visible
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive index of the light-scattering optical fiber is adjusted to match the surrounding polymer layer. This parameter change ensures that when the fiber is unilluminated, it remains invisible despite its light-scattering capability. The index-matching eliminates visual obstruction while preserving the fiber's ability to scatter light when activated.
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 ensures that unilluminated light guides blend seamlessly with the vehicle's structure, maintaining transparency and visibility, even when illuminated, thus enhancing aesthetic appeal and user experience by minimizing visual obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide may be index-matched to the polymer layer so that unilluminated portions of the light guide are transparent and indistinguishable from the vehicle structure
Implementation Method 2
The optical fibers may include a light-scattering optical fiber that scatters light out of the vehicle structure towards the interior or exterior of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The light-scattering optical fiber may be fused to a non-scattering optical fiber that guides light from a light source to the light-scattering optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system may include one or more light sources and one or more light guides. A lighting system may be integrated into a window, a skylight, an exterior light such as a headlight, a tail light, or a high center-mounted stop light, or other exterior or interior portions of a system such as a vehicle. The light guide may be embedded in an adhesive layer in a vehicle structure. The light guide may be index-matched to the adhesive layer so that unilluminated portions of the light guide are indistinguishable from the vehicle structure. The light guide may be formed from optical fibers. The optical fibers may include a light-scattering optical fiber that scatters light out of the vehicle structure. The light-scattering optical fiber may be fused to a non-scattering optical fiber that guides light from a light source to the light-scattering optical fiber.