Light Guide Assembly with Segmented Emission Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting assemblies that provide dynamic light effects require multiple light sources spaced along a length, leading to high costs and space requirements, and have not utilized light pipes effectively to create a dynamic light effect that appears as if light is traveling along the length.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly comprising a light guide with alternating segments and elongated light pipes, where each light source is optically coupled to a light pipe, allowing light to be transmitted and emitted through the guide, creating a dynamic effect by sequencing the illumination of zones along the length without the need for multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple light sources are spaced along a defined length to provide dynamic light effects, then the dynamic light effect is achieved, but the cost and space requirements increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide acts as an intermediary component that receives light from a single light source and distributes it along its length to multiple emission points. The light guide transmits light from the single source located at one end through its body to multiple light emitting regions positioned along its length, enabling dynamic lighting effects without requiring multiple light sources spaced throughout the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide creates optical copies of the light source at multiple positions along its length. By transmitting light through its body, the light guide produces virtual light sources at different locations, allowing the appearance of multiple illuminated positions without physically placing multiple light sources at each location.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to provide dynamic light effects, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the number of components and wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment containing a light emitting region. These segments are arranged in alternating patterns with different orientations (right-side, left-side, top-side segments). Each segment can be independently controlled to emit light in different directions and colors, providing comprehensive lighting coverage while being managed through a single integrated structure rather than separate light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light from a single source, distributes light to multiple emission points along its length, provides structural support, and enables dynamic lighting effects through segmented control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If light pipes are used to transmit light over distance, then the number of light sources is reduced, but the dynamic light effect that appears as light traveling along the length is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide system enables dynamic lighting effects by sequentially activating different segments along its length. The segments can be controlled to illuminate in a sequence that creates the appearance of light traveling along the length of the light guide. This dynamic control is achieved through the segmented structure with alternating orientations that can be independently addressed and controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the light guide have different local qualities in terms of their emission orientations and positions. Right-side segments emit light to one side, left-side segments emit to the opposite side, and top-side segments emit upward. This variation in local quality across different segments allows for creating directional light patterns and dynamic effects that simulate light movement along the length.
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 reduces the number of required light sources and components, enabling a dynamic light effect that appears to travel along the length while minimizing costs and space requirements, and allows for customizable color and luminance changes.
Implementation Method 1
The light generated by the light source is received at the end of the light pipe and transmitted longitudinally along the length of the light pipe by internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
the metal mirror of each adjacent segment of the light guide reflects light from different light pipes
Data Source
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AI summary
A light assembly (100) is provided that includes a light guide (102), multiple light pipes (104), and multiple light sources. The light guide has an elongated body (108) extending along a longitudinal axis (110). The light guide includes multiple segments (116) arranged axially along a length of the body. Each segment has a light receiving region (118) and a light emitting region (120). The light pipes are disposed along the light receiving regions and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each of the multiple light sources is optically coupled to an attachment end (122) of a corresponding light pipe. The light emitted by each light source is received by the corresponding light pipe at the attachment end and transmitted through the light pipe towards a distal end (124) of the light pipe. Adjacent segments of the light guide receive light from different light pipes and emit such light from the light guide through the corresponding light emitting regions.