Automotive Light-Guide Assembly for Uniform Mini-LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of OLED-source lighting assemblies in automotive lighting appliances and the resulting localized lighting unevenness due to light cones at the side edges of emitting faces, which affect both aesthetics and light uniformity.
Innovation Solution
An automotive lighting appliance using a lighting assembly with a plurality of light-guide plates and mini-LED array modules, where a perimeter mask made of non-transparent material is used to mask the side edges and reduce the thickness of non-illuminated lines, improving light uniformity without increasing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a perimeter mask is used to mask the side edge of the emitting face, then the formation of light cones is prevented and aesthetic appearance is improved, but the mask causes the formation of dark lines on the lighting surface that reduce light uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful dark lines caused by the perimeter mask through optical compensation techniques. Light guides or optical elements are strategically positioned to extract and redistribute light in the regions where dark lines form, effectively removing the negative visual impact while preserving the mask's primary function of preventing light cone formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical elements (such as additional light guides, diffusers, or reflective surfaces) that act as mediators between the perimeter mask and the lighting surface. These intermediaries redirect and redistribute light to compensate for the dark lines created by the mask, maintaining both aesthetic appearance and light uniformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard non-organic LEDs are used instead of OLED technology, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but localized lighting unevenness due to light cones occurs at the side edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light cones generated by standard LEDs into a beneficial solution. The perimeter mask that was initially introduced to block light cones is combined with optical compensation elements that use the masked and redirected light to illuminate the dark line regions, transforming the original problem into a feature that maintains cost-effectiveness while achieving uniform lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies optical parameters (such as light distribution patterns, intensity profiles, or angular characteristics) through the use of specialized light guides and optical elements. These parameter changes enable standard LEDs to achieve uniform light distribution comparable to OLED technology without requiring expensive organic light-emitting materials.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the transverse width of the mask is increased to better mask the side edge, then light cone formation is better prevented, but the thickness of non-illuminated lines increases and light uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by using variable-width mask sections or selectively positioned optical compensation elements. Instead of uniformly increasing mask width everywhere, the solution tailors the mask and compensation structure to specific locations where light cones are most problematic, maintaining minimal mask width in regions where it suffices while providing enhanced compensation only where needed.
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 achieves light uniformity comparable to OLED technology at a lower cost, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance of the lighting appliance by minimizing the thickness of dark lines and maintaining uniform illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting surface consists of a plurality of light-guide plates. The light sources consist of standard non-organic LEDs which are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other so that they are adjacent to and facing the light-entry side faces of the light-guide plates to provide light.
Implementation Method 2
a mask in the form of a rectangular frame made of non-transparent material is attached to the light-guide plate in order to mask/cover the side edge of the emitting face subject to the light cones
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An automotive lighting appliance (1) internally having a lighting assembly (6) comprising a plurality of light-guide plates (8), which are arranged side by side and have respective light-entry faces (8a) to receive light, and respective light-emitting faces (8b) that are adapted to emit light. The lighting assembly (6) further comprises a plurality of mini-LED array modules (9a), which are arranged adjacent to the light-entry side faces so that the light provided by a mini-LED array module (9a) to a light-entry side face (8a) of a light-guide plate (8) is emitted through the light-emitting face (8b) of the light-guide plate (8).