Vehicle Lamp Assemblies with Light Deflecting Surface for Gap Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting structures fail to effectively illuminate gaps between movable and stationary lamp assemblies, leading to discontinuous lighting and a less aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting structure comprising a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly, where the second assembly has a light deflecting surface that reflects and disperses light from the first assembly, creating continuous illumination across the gap between them, with alignment and projection design ensuring uniform lighting across the gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lamp assemblies are mounted on movable panels to enable lighting functions, then lighting versatility is improved, but gaps between lamp assemblies create discontinuous lighting and reduced aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A light deflecting member is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the first and second lamp assemblies. This member receives light from the first lamp assembly and redirects it toward the second lamp assembly, effectively mediating the light transmission across the gap. The deflecting member acts as a bridge that connects the lighting functions of separate assemblies, ensuring continuous illumination while maintaining the mechanical independence of movable and stationary components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lamp assemblies are spaced apart to accommodate movable panels, then mechanical adaptability is improved, but lighting continuity across the gap deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflecting member features a specifically engineered surface with varying local properties - the first surface receives light from the first lamp assembly while the second surface directs light toward the second lamp assembly. This local differentiation of surface properties enables the single component to perform multiple optical functions, redirecting light effectively across the gap while maintaining uniform illumination appearance.
3Illumination intensity
If a light deflecting member is added to illuminate the gap, then lighting continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflecting member is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it serves as both a structural element filling the gap between lamp assemblies and an optical element redirecting light. By combining mechanical support and light redirection functions in one component, the design achieves lighting continuity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 provides continuous and uniform lighting across the gap, disguising the separation between the lamp assemblies and enhancing the visual appearance by ensuring both sides of the vehicle have unbroken areas of light, even when the movable panel is closed.
Implementation Method 1
the first light deflecting surface reflects and disperses light in a first area between the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A first lamp assembly has a first attachment surface, a first transparent surface, a first side surface extending from the first transparent surface to the first attachment surface, and a first lighting member positioned to emit light through a portion of the first side surface. A second lamp assembly has a second attachment surface, a second transparent surface opposite the second attachment surface and a second side surface extending from the second transparent surface to the second attachment surface. The second side surface has a first projection extending therefrom that defines a first light deflecting surface such that when the second side surface and the first side surface are adjacent to one another with the light deflecting surface and first lighting member being aligned, the first light deflecting surface reflects and disperses light in a first area between the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly.