Light Guide Fixing Means Rear Reflection Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Longer light guides require additional fixing means, which can be visually unappealing and reduce lighting effectiveness due to shadow zones and light absorption, especially when viewed from a height.

Innovation Solution

The second fixing means is integrated into the light guide's rear part above the reflection area, ensuring light is reflected downwards, making it invisible from the front and maintaining light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second fixing means is added to the light guide, then the light guide can be securely fastened to the support, but the fixing means becomes visible from the front and creates shadow zones that harm the style effect and reduce lighting quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidvisual defect and shadow zone
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second fixing means is repositioned from the front viewable area to the rear part of the light guide, changing its spatial dimension. This relocation places the fixing means in a dimension that is not visible from the front, thereby eliminating the visual defect and shadow zone while maintaining securing function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rear part of the light guide serves as an intermediary structure that hosts the second fixing means. This intermediary location allows the fixing means to perform its securing function without directly interfering with the light transmission path visible from the front, thus resolving the contradiction between securing reliability and visual quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the second fixing means is positioned below the reflection means, then it can secure the light guide, but it creates a magnifying effect and dark zones that reduce lighting effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight guide securingVSAvoidlighting effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The second fixing means is repositioned vertically above the reflection means instead of below it. This dimensional change in positioning moves the fixing means out of the critical light path area, preventing it from creating magnifying effects and dark zones while maintaining its securing function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning of the second fixing means is optimized for local quality - placing it in a specific location (rear part above reflection means) where it performs its securing function without negatively affecting the overall lighting quality. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between securing reliability and lighting effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration eliminates visual defects and maintains light efficiency by preventing light absorption and shadow zones, ensuring the fixing means is only visible to observers at a lower height.

Implementation Method 1

comprises an external face which is provided on a portion of a rear part with reflection means which are suitable for reflecting light towards a front part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

arranged so as to reflect down the light which has penetrated into it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2663804B1Lighting device having a light guide comprising an attachment means and reflecting light downward, and related mounting
Publication Date: 2014.08.06 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2663804B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2663804B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (D) including at least one elongate light guide (G) comprising two opposite ends (E1, E2), each of which have a first attachment means (MF1) capable of enabling the attachment thereof to a mounting, and connected via a main portion (PP) suitable for guiding light and comprising an outer surface (FE) having, on part of a rear portion (PR), a reflection means (MR) suitable for reflecting light to a front portion (PV). Said device (D) also includes at least one second attachment means (MF2) which is secured to a selected location on the main portion (PP) on the rear side (PR) thereof and just over the reflection means (MR) so as to reflect light downward, and which is securable onto the mounting.