Line Illuminating Device Rib Guide Rotation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line illuminating devices face challenges in specifying the exposed surface of a light guide rod when it is formed into a circular shape from the longitudinal direction, requiring a constant rotational movement angle to prevent misalignment and ensure proper light emission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a line illuminating device with a light emitting unit, a rod-shaped light guide rod, and a case featuring protruding ribs and rib guide portions that restrict rotation, allowing the light guide rod to be housed in the case while maintaining a circular shape, ensuring the exposed surface can be designated and light emission is uniform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the light guide rod is formed into a circular shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction, then the aesthetic appearance and light emission uniformity are improved, but the ability to specify the exposed surface and control rotational position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric features (ribs and rib guide portions) into the otherwise symmetric circular light guide rod structure. The rib on the light guide rod and the corresponding rib guide portion in the case create an asymmetric engagement mechanism that defines a specific rotational position, allowing the exposed surface to be precisely specified while maintaining the aesthetic circular appearance when installed.
2Ease of operation
If the light guide rod is allowed to rotate freely in the case, then the ease of installation is improved, but the consistency of the exposed surface orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rib and rib guide portion are pre-configured in specific positions on the light guide rod and case respectively, establishing the correct rotational orientation before the light guide rod is fully installed. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the light guide rod is inserted into the case, it automatically assumes the correct orientation with the desired surface exposed, combining ease of installation with precise orientation control.
Data Source
AI summary
A line illuminating device includes: a light emitting unit that emits light; a light guide rod that is formed into a rod shape, transmits therethrough the light emitted by the light emitting unit, and guides the light in a longitudinal direction; a case that is formed into a rod shape, has a part open when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and houses the light guide rod therein; ribs provided so as to protrude from the light guide rod on both ends of the light guide rod in the longitudinal direction; and rib guide portions which are provided on both ends of the case in the longitudinal direction, guide the ribs when the light guide rod is housed in the case, and restricts rotation of the light guide rod with respect to the case.