Layered Light Guide Arrangement for Precise 3D Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating three-dimensional light patterns or objects using light guides are costly, complex, and prone to manufacturing inaccuracies due to uncontrollable shrinkage of light guide materials, and require complicated three-dimensional coupling structures.
Innovation Solution
Designing plate-shaped light guides with varying decoupling elements in shape, size, depth, and density to create a superposition of sectional representations that, when combined, form a three-dimensional object, allowing for precise and cost-effective production using injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If solid one-piece optical fiber bodies are used to create three-dimensional patterns, then three-dimensional effects can be achieved, but manufacturing becomes very difficult due to uncontrollable shrinkage during curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber body into multiple layers of plate-shaped light guides during the molding process. Each layer can be independently formed with precise dimensional control, avoiding the shrinkage problems of solid one-piece curing. The layered structure allows sequential manufacturing with controlled curing at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces output coupling structures at specific locations on each light guide plate to control light emission patterns. This allows precise localization of three-dimensional effects without requiring the entire optical fiber body to be cured as one piece, enabling dimensional precision in critical areas.
2Shape
If solid one-piece optical fiber bodies are used, then three-dimensional effects can be achieved, but the introduction of output coupling structure becomes complicated, time-consuming, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of the optical fiber body and the output coupling structures into a single integrated molding process. The output coupling structures are formed as integral parts of each light guide plate layer during molding, eliminating separate post-processing steps for introducing coupling structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The output coupling structures are pre-formed during the molding process itself, before the optical fiber body is fully assembled and cured. This preliminary formation of coupling structures on each layer simplifies the overall manufacturing sequence and reduces subsequent processing complexity.
3Shape
If multiple light guide plates are stacked to create three-dimensional patterns, then three-dimensional effects can be achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical fiber body into multiple plate-shaped light guide layers that can be manufactured using standard injection molding processes. Each layer is produced independently with consistent quality, and then stacked in sequence, simplifying the overall manufacturing compared to forming a solid one-piece three-dimensional body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the thickness and optical properties of each light guide plate layer to optimize the three-dimensional light emission effect. By adjusting parameters such as layer thickness, material composition, and output coupling structure geometry, the manufacturing process becomes more predictable and cost-effective while maintaining three-dimensional visual effects.
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
Enables the creation of a three-dimensional pattern or object through the superposition of light from individual light guides, achieving high precision and cost-effectiveness with adjustable brightness levels and realistic representation by varying the design of decoupling elements.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide arrangement (10) with a plurality of plate-shaped light guides (12) made of a solid, transparent material and arranged one behind the other
Implementation Method 2
the shape, size depth and/or density of the output coupling elements arranged distributed over the output surfaces (12c) of the light guides (12) are designed for each of the light guides (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
An arrangement of several plate-shaped optical fibers arranged one behind the other is presented, wherein at least one light source is arranged on at least one narrow side of each optical fiber. Each optical fiber has several output coupling elements distributed across an output coupling surface, which deflect light so that deflected light exits the optical fiber. The arrangement is characterized in that the output coupling elements for each optical fiber are designed such that the light coupled out and exiting via the output coupling elements of an optical fiber represents a cross-sectional view through a three-dimensional object, wherein the sum of the light exiting from all optical fibers of the arrangement approximates a three-dimensional representation of the object.