Vehicle Interior Lighting with Lenticular Grid for 3D Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting technologies fail to effectively generate 3D light effects in vehicle interiors due to instability, lack of compatibility with vehicle materials, and inability to meet specific vehicle standards, such as the 'fingernail test' and 'sunscreen test', while also requiring significant space for 3D light effect generation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a transparent support part featuring a lenticular structure and a point light source, preferably LEDs, which emits light through a lenticular grid structure on a carrier part, ensuring stabilization and compliance with vehicle standards, and allowing for adjustable 3D light effects by varying the distance and arrangement of the light source and lenticular structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent warp threads are used to generate 3D light effects, then the light effect is achieved, but the fabric is unstable and can be easily moved by touch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties from soft, flexible fabric to rigid, transparent plastic material. This parameter change in material rigidity and stability allows the lenticular structure to maintain its geometric precision and resist deformation, while still enabling the desired 3D light effects through optical refraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction by integrating the lenticular structure directly into a transparent plastic support member. This composite approach combines the optical properties needed for 3D effects with the structural stability required for vehicle interior applications, creating a unified component that is both functional and durable.
2Illumination intensity
If fabric materials are used for 3D light effects, then the light effect is produced, but the materials cannot be laminated and are not 3D deformable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from fabric to thermoplastic material, which enables thermal forming and lamination processes. This parameter change allows the support member to be manufactured using standard automotive plastic processing techniques, including laminating with decorative films and surface treatments, while maintaining the lenticular structure for 3D light effects.
3Illumination intensity
If fabric materials are used for 3D light effects, then the light effect is generated, but vehicle-specific requirements such as the 'fingernail test' and 'sunscreen test' are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from fabric to transparent plastic, fundamentally altering the mechanical and chemical properties to meet automotive standards. The plastic material provides the necessary durability, scratch resistance, UV stability, and chemical resistance required for vehicle interior applications, while maintaining optical clarity for the 3D light effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the transparent plastic support member is combined with decorative films and surface treatments through lamination. This composite structure meets automotive quality standards for durability and appearance while preserving the lenticular optical function for 3D lighting effects.
4Illumination intensity
If flat fabrics are used to generate 3D light effects, then the light effect is achieved, but a comparatively large amount of space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat fabric to a three-dimensional molded plastic structure with integrated lenticular elements. This dimensional change allows the 3D light effect to be generated within a compact form factor, reducing the space required while maintaining or enhancing the optical effect through the rigid lenticular geometry.
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 stable, vehicle-compliant 3D light effects that withstand normal interactions and media exposure, meeting luxury automotive standards with a compact design, and offering customizable lighting patterns and colors.
Implementation Method 1
The 3D light effects generated are based on the effect of the transparent warp threads as rod lenses, which break the light passing through accordingly
Implementation Method 2
a light source (2) that emits visible light and a component (3) that is arranged relative to the light source (2) in such a way that the light emitted by the light source (2) transmits therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting apparatus (1) for vehicle interiors, having a light source (2), which emits visible light, and a component (3), which is arranged in relation to the light source (2) in such a way that the light emitted by the light source (2) radiates through the component, the component comprising: a transparent carrier part (4), which has a surface through which the emitted light of the light source (2) passes, and a lens grid structure (5), which has a plurality of periodically arranged line elements (6A – 6E) and is formed on the surface of the transparent carrier part (4). The invention further relates to a use of the lighting apparatus (1) and of the component (3) of the lighting apparatus for the interior lighting of vehicles, wherein three-dimensional light effects are produced, which can be perceived differently by an observer/passenger in the interior in dependence on the angle of observation.