Automotive Light Guide Opaque Part for Homogeneous Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guiding devices for automotive lighting and signaling systems often produce high-intensity light points at angular zones, leading to inhomogeneous light diffusion and quality issues, which are difficult to address in an industrial setting.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an opaque part within the light guide at angular zones or the intersection of branches to intercept propagating light, made from materials like plastic, metal, or ceramic, which reduces light intensity peaks and simplifies manufacturing by using the same material for both the guide and opaque part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a light guide with angular zones is used to achieve compact design and original shapes, then the lighting device can provide visually original elements and compactness, but high-intensity light spots are generated at angular areas causing inhomogeneous light diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing an opaque piece specifically at the angular zones or ends of the light guide where high-intensity light spots are generated. This localized modification allows the majority of the light guide to maintain its original compact shape and design, while only the specific problematic areas are treated with the opaque piece to diffuse the light and eliminate hot spots.
2Illumination intensity
If an opaque piece is introduced to reduce high-intensity light spots, then light diffusion homogeneity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the opaque piece with the light guide structure by positioning it within the light guide at angular zones or ends. The opaque piece can be integrated into the molding process or assembled as a single unit, reducing the need for separate complex masking systems and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining light diffusion homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light interception function from a complex masking system and implements it through a simple opaque piece. By removing the need for complex industrial masking processes and replacing them with a straightforward opaque component, the solution reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired light diffusion effect.
3Illumination intensity
If an opaque piece is introduced to intercept light, then high-intensity light spots are reduced, but manufacturing complexity and industrial implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive opaque piece that can be easily manufactured using common materials and processes. This straightforward component replaces complex masking systems, making the solution economically viable and easy to implement in industrial manufacturing settings without requiring specialized equipment or processes.
4Illumination intensity
If multiple pieces are used to mask different areas of the light guide, then light intensity distribution is improved, but assembly complexity and industrial risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light interception functions into a single opaque piece that can address multiple angular zones or end areas simultaneously. This unified approach eliminates the need for assembling multiple separate masking pieces, reducing assembly complexity and industrial risk while maintaining effective control over light intensity distribution throughout the light guide.
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 reduces high-intensity light points, enhances aesthetic uniformity, and simplifies industrial implementation by integrating multiple functions into a single part, reducing costs and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The light travels through the guide by total internal reflection to an output face
Implementation Method 2
an opaque piece positioned opposite said guide to intercept the light propagating in said guide
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light guiding device for a lighting and/or signaling device comprising a guide (10), configured to transmit the light emitted by a light source (12, 13), and an opaque piece (20) positioned opposite said guide (10) to intercept the light propagating in said guide (10). The invention also relates to a lighting and/or signaling device comprising said device and a motor vehicle optical unit comprising at least one of said devices.