Meter Device Lighting Structure Using Single Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meter devices require multiple light sources to adequately illuminate both the pointer and dial, increasing costs due to the physical limitations of arranging light sources below the center of the dial.
Innovation Solution
A lighting structure for a meter device that incorporates a rotating shaft with a light-dispersing unit on the pointer shaft, allowing illuminating lights to be dispersed towards the dial, enabling sufficient illumination of both the pointer and dial using a single light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are arranged below the dial to illuminate both the pointer and dial, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source positioned below the center of the dial serves dual functions: it illuminates the pointer by transmitting light through the pointer shaft, and simultaneously illuminates the dial by transmitting light through the dial. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate light sources for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the illumination functions for the pointer and dial into a single integrated light source system. By positioning one light source at the center and utilizing the light-transmitting properties of both the pointer shaft and dial, the system merges what would traditionally require separate illumination systems.
2Device complexity
If a single light source is used to illuminate both pointer and dial, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination intensity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different light transmission paths through different regions of the system. The pointer shaft and dial have specific light-transmitting properties in their respective locations, allowing the single light source to effectively illuminate different areas through optimized local light transmission characteristics.
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 costs by using a single light source to effectively illuminate both the pointer and dial, improving luminance and reducing the need for multiple light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a light source which outputs illuminating lights, incident on a base end part of the rotating shaft
Implementation Method 2
the first laterally light-dispersing unit dispersing a part of the illuminating lights incident on the pointer shaft toward the dial
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A lighting structure for a meter device is provided to include a dial, a rotating shaft having a light transmitting property, which is provided in a back surface side of the dial and rotates by receiving a turning force from a motor, a light transmitting pointer which is provided integrally with a light transmitting pointer shaft having a hole formed in a base end part into which an end part of the rotating shaft is inserted and fixed and rotates along a surface of the dial, and a light source which outputs the illuminating lights incident on a base end part of the rotating shaft. The pointer shaft includes a first laterally light-dispersing unit formed with a recessed part recessed toward the light source in an end part over the hole for dispersing a part of the illuminating lights incident on the pointer shaft toward the dial.