Light Guide Air-Gap Segmentation for Sharp Graphic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting units using edge lighting with LEDs experience excessive light diffusion, leading to blurry patterns and reduced image resolution, especially in non-visible areas, which is undesirable for dynamic lighting applications and materials that are difficult to illuminate from behind.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating air gaps and absorptive lines in the light guide to control light diffusion, with air gaps located between LEDs and extending perpendicular to the light propagation direction, and absorptive lines aligned with these gaps to minimize light dispersion, particularly in non-visible areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light sources are arranged in edge lighting configuration with light guide film, then lighting coverage is improved, but light diffusion becomes excessive causing blurry patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide film is segmented into multiple light transmission regions separated by light blocking structures. Each light blocking structure divides the light path, preventing excessive diffusion between adjacent LED sources while maintaining individual light channel integrity. This segmentation allows light from multiple LEDs to reach the display surface without blending into blurry patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light guide film have different optical properties. The light transmission regions allow light passage while the light blocking structures (such as absorptive lines or air gaps) create localized light containment zones. This local differentiation enables precise control over light diffusion, maintaining sharpness in visible areas while providing adequate coverage.
2Illumination intensity
If light diffusion is increased to illuminate difficult-to-light materials, then lighting uniformity is improved, but image resolution and contrast deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface is divided into multiple light transmission regions corresponding to different graphical elements or iconography components. Each region receives controlled light from specific LED sources through dedicated light paths, maintaining sharp boundaries between different graphical elements while ensuring adequate illumination for material visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Light blocking structures serve as intermediaries between the light sources and the light guide film. These structures (absorptive lines, air gaps, or reflective barriers) mediate the light distribution by preventing unwanted light diffusion while allowing controlled light transmission through the light guide film to illuminate the display surface uniformly.
3Device complexity
If conventional light guide structures are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but light control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide film incorporates integrated light blocking structures that are formed directly within the film layers or on its surface. These segmented structures create distinct light transmission regions without requiring separate external components, maintaining relative structural simplicity while achieving precise light control for high-resolution display.
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
Enhances image resolution, brightness, and contrast by reducing light diffusion, allowing for the creation of complex graphics and iconography directly on materials like wood, carbon fiber, and stone, while maintaining uniform lighting in visible areas.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide includes a plurality of air gaps arranged such that each air gap of the plurality of air gaps (i) is parallel with another air gap, (ii) is between adjacent light sources of the plurality of light sources, and (iii) extends in a direction in which light from the plurality of light sources is propagating in the light guide
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, a light guide can include absorptive lines to create lighting channels in visible areas
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly includes a light guide; and a plurality of light sources configured to emit light into an edge of the light guide, wherein the light guide includes a plurality of air gaps arranged such that each air gap of the plurality of air gaps (i) is parallel with another air gap, (ii) is between adjacent light sources of the plurality of light sources, and (iii) extends in a direction in which light from the plurality of light sources is propagating in the light guide.