Linear Lighting Device Groove and Cutout Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear lighting devices using elongated light guides for vehicle interior lighting face issues with glare prevention, misassembly, and non-uniform illumination due to the light guide's thin and long design, which can bend or twist, making it difficult to attach correctly and resulting in undesirable illumination patterns.
Innovation Solution
A linear lighting device design featuring an elongated light guide with grooves and a stepped cutout at one end, a protruding portion on the case, and light shielding and scattering elements to prevent misassembly and improve illumination uniformity, including a light shaping wall for a gradational illumination effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the light guide is made thin and long to achieve linear illumination, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the light guide bends or twists causing misassembly and non-uniform illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming grooves and a stepped cutout on the light guide surface, and providing a protruding portion on the case before assembly. These features are prepared in advance to guide correct positioning and prevent bending or twisting during installation, thereby maintaining shape stability while achieving linear illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry through the stepped cutout and protruding portion configuration, where the cutout has specific depth variations and the protruding portion is positioned asymmetrically on the case. This asymmetric design creates a unique fitting geometry that prevents misassembly and ensures the light guide maintains its intended shape during installation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the light guide is made transparent to allow light transmission, then the light transmission efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to verify the direction leading to misassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by forming grooves and a stepped cutout on the light guide surface that create visible optical effects. These structural features cause light to reflect or refract in specific patterns that are visible through the transparent material, allowing operators to verify the correct orientation and direction of the light guide during assembly while maintaining high light transmission efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the light guide is disposed inside interior members to prevent glare, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but light is blocked or reflected causing non-uniform illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating grooves and a stepped cutout at specific locations on the light guide surface, particularly near the end where light extraction occurs. These localized structural features control light extraction and reflection patterns in specific areas, ensuring uniform illumination is maintained even when the light guide is disposed inside interior members for glare prevention.
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 allows for easy attachment, prevents misassembly, and produces a high-quality illumination pattern with reduced non-uniformity and glare, providing a balanced and spacious appearance along the linear lighting area.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated light guide; a light source disposed at an end in a longitudinal direction of the light guide
Implementation Method 2
the light guide has a plurality of grooves arranged in the longitudinal direction of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a linear lighting device which includes an elongated light guide, a light source disposed at an end in a longitudinal direction of the light guide, and a case accommodating the light guide and the light source. In the linear lighting device, the light guide has a plurality of grooves arranged in the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and has a stepped cutout at the other end on an opposite side from the end, and a protruding portion protruding into the cutout is formed on an inner surface of the case which faces the cutout.