360° Light Pipe Assembly With Hidden Optics for Uniform Vehicle Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems struggle to achieve uniform 360° illumination without visible light sources, often resulting in bright spots and reduced light efficiency due to the use of light guide optics that are visible in unlit states and have poor optical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising overlapping light pipes with a core and cladding, surrounded by a lens with a transparent and/or translucent coating that allows diffuse light to exit uniformly, providing 360° illumination while hiding the light sources until lit, using a chromium-based reflective coating for homogenous illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light guide optics are used to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but the optic features become visible in the unlit state which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional light guide optics from the system and replaces them with light pipes that have integrated diffusing properties. This extraction eliminates the visible optic features while maintaining uniform illumination through the inherent diffusing capability of the light pipe material and structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light transmission medium by using materials with specific diffusing properties. The light pipe is designed with controlled light scattering characteristics that enable uniform light distribution without requiring separate optic features, thus avoiding visibility issues in the unlit state.
2Illumination intensity
If highly diffusing materials are used to achieve uniform luminous intensity, then illumination uniformity is improved, but the optical efficiency deteriorates with a milky or hazy appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the light pipe. The light pipe structure is designed with specific surface treatments or internal structures in certain zones that provide controlled light scattering, while other regions maintain higher transparency to preserve optical efficiency. This localized approach achieves uniform illumination without the overall milky appearance of highly diffusing materials.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to achieve 360° illumination with light pipes, then illumination coverage is improved, but the light sources may stand in the path of light reducing light efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into multiple light pipes arranged in a circular or环形 configuration. Each light pipe is positioned to illuminate a specific sector, and their combined output achieves 360° coverage. The segmentation allows light sources to be positioned at the ends or sides of individual light pipes rather than in the central light path, maintaining efficiency while achieving comprehensive coverage.
4Use of energy by moving object
If LED light sources are used for backlighting, then energy efficiency is improved, but the directional nature of LEDs creates bright spots that reduce illumination uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the light pipe as an intermediary between the LED light source and the final illumination surface. The light pipe receives directional light from the LED and redistributes it uniformly through its length and surface. This intermediary component transforms the directional LED output into omnidirectional uniform illumination, eliminating bright spots while preserving the energy efficiency of LED technology.
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 system achieves uniform and efficient 360° illumination while concealing the light sources until activated, enhancing light output and reducing the visibility of light guide features, thus improving aesthetic and safety aspects in vehicle design elements.
Implementation Method 1
Light pipes are used in such systems to deliver the light from the light source over distances to the place of illumination. Thereby light pipes rely on total internal reflection.
Implementation Method 2
the transparent and/or translucent coating comprises a metal, an alloy or a conductive metalloid, preferably providing a chromium or chromium-based reflective coating, to provide a homogenous illumination
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a light assembly for a 360° illumination of a design element, in particular configured for a vehicle design element, comprising: one or more light pipes, wherein each light pipe comprises a core, and two or more light pipes and/or two end portions of one light pipe at least partially overlap, providing at least one region of overlap to substantially close a loop; one or more light sources, disposed at least partially within an interior of the system, wherein each light source is configured to emit light based on at least receiving electrical power from an electrical power source, and each light source is arranged adjacent to and directed towards at least one of the one or more light pipes such that the emitted light results in reflected light propagating within the core and diffuse light exiting the one or more light pipes along the same; and a lens substantially enclosing the interior, the one or more light pipes and the one or more light sources, wherein the lens, having an inner surface and an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface, is provided with a continuous transparent and/or translucent coating on the outer surface, and with the one or more light sources receiving electrical power from the electrical power source, the continuous transparent and/or translucent coating is at least partially permeable to at least some of the diffuse light which is passed through the lens; wherein the continuous transparent and/or translucent coating depends on at least one characteristic of the one or more light pipes and/or the one or more light sources, and/or the transparent and/or translucent coating comprises a metal, an alloy or a conductive metalloid, preferably providing a chromium or chromium-based reflective coating, to provide a homogenous illumination of a 360° illumination window when the one or more light sources receive electrical power from the electrical power source.