Integrated Prism for LED Instrument Cluster Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instrument cluster assemblies in motor vehicles require improved illumination of dials and gauges with a reduced number of light reflectors and diffusers for enhanced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a circuit board with two light-emitting elements and an optical element, such as a prism, positioned between them to reflect or diffuse light, reducing the need for separate optical elements and simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple separate light reflectors and diffusers are used to illuminate dials and gauges, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate light reflectors and diffusers into a single integrated optical element. This optical element includes a light-reflecting portion and a light-diffusing portion merged together, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components while maintaining effective illumination of dials and gauges.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects light from LED sources, diffuses light to achieve uniform illumination, and directs light toward the dial and gauge areas. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed in the instrument cluster assembly.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple separate light reflectors and diffusers are used, then illumination coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single manufacturable component. The optical element is designed as one integrated piece that can be manufactured in a single process, eliminating the need to manufacture, handle, and assemble multiple separate reflector and diffuser components.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional multiple optical elements are used, then light distribution control is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light reflection and diffusion functions into a single optical element, reducing assembly steps from multiple component installations to a single component installation. The integrated design maintains precise light distribution control through the combined optical functions.
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
This configuration provides effective illumination of graphics and dials with reduced complexity and cost, allowing for adjustable light intensity and improved light distribution without the need for multiple optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element is configured to at least one of reflect or diffuse light emitted by the first and the second light-emitting elements
Implementation Method 2
The optical element is configured to at least one of reflect or diffuse light emitted by the first and the second light-emitting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element spaced apart from the first light-emitting element. An optical element is opposite to and between the first and the second light-emitting elements. The optical element is configured to at least one of reflect or diffuse light emitted by the first and the second light-emitting elements.