Light Bar Proximity Switch with Reflective Light Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle switches require additional manufacturing steps for labeling, which can wear off over time, and existing proximity switches lack efficient methods for reducing sensor visibility while providing clear actuation cues.
Innovation Solution
A light bar proximity switch featuring a light pipe with a partially reflective surface adjacent to the light pipe, capacitive sensors, and a multi-colored light source that projects light to reflect and view through the surface, eliminating the need for additional labeling and minimizing sensor visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If laser etching or pad printing is used to label switches, then actuation cues are provided, but additional manufacturing steps are required and labels can wear off
Solution Approach 1:
The label is merged with the light pipe itself by embedding the image directly into the light pipe's structure during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate labeling steps and ensures the label becomes an integral, durable part of the component that cannot wear off separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe serves multiple functions: it guides light from the sensor to provide visual feedback, and simultaneously displays the actuation cue image. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate labeling components and reduces overall device complexity.
2Loss of information
If proximity sensors are made visible to provide actuation cues, then clear indication is provided, but sensor visibility needs to be minimized for aesthetic purposes
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the light pipe have different optical properties. The light pipe is designed with specific refractive indices and internal structures in different zones to selectively guide and display light only in areas where actuation cues are needed, while keeping sensor areas visually concealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe acts as an intermediary between the proximity sensor and the user. It takes the light from the sensor (which would otherwise be invisible or aesthetically undesirable) and transforms it into a visible, aesthetically pleasing actuation cue through internal light guiding and image projection mechanisms.
3Illumination intensity
If light is projected through the light pipe to indicate actuation, then visibility is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces continuous light emission with event-triggered light projection. Instead of constantly consuming energy to illuminate the light pipe, light is only projected when the proximity sensor detects an object, substituting continuous mechanical/electrical operation with sensor-triggered operation.
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 enhances light visibility while reducing the visibility of sensors and eliminates the need for additional manufacturing steps, providing durable and clear actuation cues for vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source configured to project light along the area, wherein the emitted light is reflected by the at least partially reflective surface and viewed through the first surface
Implementation Method 2
an at least partially reflective surface adjacent the second surface... wherein the emitted light is reflected by the at least partially reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light bar proximity switch is provided that includes a light pipe having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first and second surface define an area. The light bar proximity sensor further includes an at least partially reflective surface adjacent the second surface, at least one circuit board spaced from the light pipe and the at least partially reflective surface, at least one proximity sensor electrically connected to the at least one circuit board, and at least one light source configured to project light along the area, wherein the emitted light is reflected by the at least partially reflective surface and viewed through the first surface.