License Plate Waveguide Illumination Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting systems fail to provide effective and aesthetically pleasing illumination for personalized and registration portions of license plates, particularly on the rear of vehicles, which can lead to visibility issues under various lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting system incorporating a waveguide extending along the license plate with a light source optically coupled to it, and an optical component that filters light within the waveguide to illuminate both personalized and registration portions, ensuring even and consistent illumination, including the use of phosphorescent materials for sustained visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source is used to illuminate the license plate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination uniformity across personalized and registration portions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple sections along its length, with each section containing a separate light source. This segmentation allows independent control of illumination for different license plate portions (personalized vs. registration), enabling uniform illumination across the entire plate while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different wavelengths of light are used for different portions of the license plate. The system employs a first light source emitting a first wavelength for the personalized portion and a second light source emitting a second wavelength for the registration portion. This local differentiation of light properties achieves optimal illumination uniformity across diverse plate sections.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then the illumination quality for different license plate portions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources with different wavelengths are integrated into a single waveguide structure. The waveguide serves as a common transmission medium for both the first wavelength from the first light source and the second wavelength from the second light source. This merging approach delivers high-quality differentiated illumination while consolidating the system into one unified device rather than separate illumination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light from different sources, transmits multiple wavelengths, and illuminates different portions of the license plate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate optical components for each light source, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high illumination quality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle lighting system is turned off, then energy consumption is reduced, but the visibility of the license plate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system operates periodically rather than continuously. The control system activates the light sources and waveguide illumination only when needed (e.g., when the vehicle is in reverse gear or when ambient light levels are low), and turns them off during normal operation. This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption while ensuring license plate visibility is maintained during critical moments.
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 system provides enhanced visibility and aesthetic lighting for both personalized and registration portions of the license plate, ensuring compliance with illumination requirements and offering customizable lighting effects, even when the vehicle is turned off.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide extending the length of the license plate. A light source is optically coupled with the waveguide and configured to emit light into the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
An optical component is configured to be optically coupled with the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
including the use of phosphorescent materials for sustained visibility
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided that includes a license plate positioned on a rear of the vehicle. The license plate defines a personalized portion and a registration portion. A trim piece is positioned above the license plate and includes an illumination system that includes a waveguide extending the length of the license plate. A light source is optically coupled with the waveguide and configured to emit light into the waveguide. An optical component is configured to be optically coupled with the waveguide.