Integrated Light Pipe Layout for Ambient Sensing and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices for recharging electric vehicles are not user-friendly and lack efficient light management systems to adapt to varying ambient conditions, leading to potential light pollution and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A light pipe apparatus with a tortuous illumination path and translucent materials is integrated into the electronic device, featuring separate indication, detection, and illumination light pipes, along with a shield to prevent light interference, and weather seals formed by the housing and light pipes, reducing complexity and enhancing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate indication and detection light pipes are used, then light management functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indication light pipe and detection light pipe into a single integrated optical component with a unified housing. This merging approach maintains the separate functional pathways for indication and detection light while eliminating the need for separate components, mounting structures, and alignment mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while preserving light management functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light pipes are used for different functions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indication light pipe and detection light pipe are manufactured as a single integrated component with a common housing and mounting structure. This unified manufacturing approach reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly procedures, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to perform both indication and detection functions separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component is designed to perform multiple functions (indication and detection) within a single structure. The component includes separate light transmission pathways and optical characteristics for each function, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Area of stationary object
If light pipes are positioned close to each other, then space utilization is improved, but light interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical component incorporates spatially varying optical properties within its housing, including light-absorbing materials in specific regions, selective transmission zones, and differentiated optical paths for indication and detection light. This local differentiation of optical characteristics allows close positioning of the light pipes while preventing harmful light interference between the two functions.
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 a user-friendly, cost-effective light management system that adapts to ambient conditions, enhances visibility, and prevents light pollution while maintaining a warm and friendly appearance, all while minimizing additional components and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a support that extends between the indication light pipe and the detection light pipe, the support can be generally stated as including a tortuous illumination path that resists the transmission of light between the first light pipe and the second light pipe
Implementation Method 2
a first body formed as a single piece unit and formed of an at least partially translucent material, the first body can be generally stated as including an indication light pipe that is structured to be situated adjacent the number of illumination sources and to communicate light from the number of illumination sources to an exterior of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a light pipe apparatus advantageously are formed of a relatively small number of components that are configured to provide various types of light at the exterior of the electronic device while detecting ambient light at the exterior of electronic device, while also providing weather seals that protect the interior of electronic device without requiring the use of additional components to provide such seals.