Light Guide Assembly for Uniform Gauge Dial Illumination
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated gauge dials require numerous LEDs and associated electronics, leading to increased expense and packaging challenges for uniform illumination.
Innovation Solution
A light guide assembly comprising a flexible printed circuit board and light-emitting diode packages, where the light guides are configured to conduct and propagate light rays, reducing the need for multiple LEDs by uniformly illuminating a ring or strip around an instrument cluster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If numerous LEDs are placed close together along the ring to provide uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED and the dial ring. The LED is positioned at a distance from the dial ring, and the light guide transmits and distributes the light along the ring, achieving uniform illumination without requiring numerous LEDs in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of multiple LEDs along the ring circumference to a three-dimensional configuration where a single LED is positioned axially above the ring, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve uniform illumination through the light guide.
2Illumination intensity
If numerous LEDs are placed close together along the ring to provide uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources (numerous LEDs) are merged into a single LED source. The light guide distributes the light from this single source along the entire ring, achieving uniform illumination while significantly reducing component count and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves as a cost-effective intermediary that replaces the need for multiple expensive LED components and their associated electronics, achieving the same illumination effect with a single LED.
3Illumination intensity
If numerous LEDs are placed close together along the ring to provide uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but packaging becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The design utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the LED above the dial ring rather than constraining multiple LEDs to the limited circumferential space, thereby simplifying packaging and reducing the overall volume required for the illumination system.
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 uniform illumination of the dial face with fewer LEDs, reducing costs and packaging complexities while maintaining aesthetic appeal and readability.
Implementation Method 1
A light guide is included, which is configured to conduct the light rays therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a light guide having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a light-emitting diode package coupled thereto. The assembly may include another light guide, also having a proximal end and a distal end, with a light-emitting diode package coupled to the proximal end. A light housing may be included that defines a cavity therein, wherein at least a portion of the first and second light guides including the distal ends are disposed in the cavity. Further, a dial face may be included that is disposed adjacent to the first and second light guides and the light housing, wherein each of the first and second light guides are configured to illuminate the dial face. In some variations, flexible printed circuit boards are attached to and electrically connected with the light-emitting diode packages.