Light Collimators for HMI Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional human machine interfaces with illuminated decorative elements suffer from light bleed due to the large size of thru holes, resulting in undesirable light emission beyond boundaries, leading to diminished aesthetics and customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of substantially parallel light collimators beneath the decorative elements, in conjunction with a reflector and a light source, to direct light emissions back towards the decorative elements, reducing light bleed by forming parallel light beams that strike within the element's perimeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large thru hole is used to illuminate a decorative element, then the light source can effectively illuminate the element, but light exits at varying angles causing light bleed beyond the element boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large thru hole into multiple smaller collimators arranged in an array. Each collimator is a separate optical element that directs light in a controlled manner. This segmentation allows light to be delivered to the decorative element while preventing light bleed through angular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing collimators with specific geometries (tapered structures) that modify the light propagation angle. The collimators transform divergent light from the LED into more directional beams, changing the angular distribution parameter to reduce light bleed while maintaining illumination intensity.
2Device complexity
If conventional thru holes are used, then the structure is simple, but the decorative elements appear diffuse and lack crisp appearance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the illumination structure into multiple collimators, the patent achieves precise control over light emission. Each collimator acts as an independent optical channel that can be precisely positioned and oriented, enabling crisp light emission patterns that define clear boundaries for the decorative elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimators serve as intermediary optical elements between the LED light source and the decorative element. These intermediaries control and shape the light path, transforming the raw divergent light into directed beams that produce sharp, well-defined illumination boundaries.
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 solution effectively minimizes light bleed, enhancing the perceived quality and aesthetics of illuminated decorative elements by ensuring light is focused within the intended boundaries, resulting in a clearer and more crisp appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of substantially parallel collimators... to collimate light emitted by the light source
Implementation Method 2
to reflect light emitted by the light source back toward the decorative elements
Data Source
AI summary
Light collimators and methods for human machine interfaces are disclosed. An example human machine interface includes a top surface having a decorative element to be illuminated, a light source, and a plurality of parallel light collimators that collimate visible light emitted by the light source and direct the collimated light toward the bottom side of the decorative element. An example method of illuminating a decorative element of a human machine interface includes emitting light, passing the light through a plurality of collimators defined in the human machine interface, and directing the collimated light toward the decorative element.