Mirror Assembly Light Guide for Infinite Tunnel Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirror assemblies for vehicles lack the ability to create a projected image that simulates an infinite tunnel effect with enhanced light intensity, uniformity, and color mixing, particularly in lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly system incorporating a light guide, LEDs, a diffuser, and a lens that reflects and diffuses light to create an illusion of an infinite tunnel, utilizing RGB-LEDs for color mixing and intensity adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mirror assembly uses conventional lighting components without a light guide and diffuser, then the structure is simpler, but the light intensity, uniformity, and color mixing are insufficient to create an infinite tunnel effect
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into distinct functional components: LEDs for light generation, a light guide for light transport and distribution, and a diffuser for light scattering. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve the infinite tunnel effect with enhanced light intensity and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary between the LEDs and the diffuser, transporting light from the compact LED source and distributing it uniformly along the mirror assembly. The diffuser then serves as an intermediary that scatters the light to create the desired visual effect, mediating between the concentrated LED output and the final projected image.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting components are used without a light guide and diffuser, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the light uniformity and color mixing are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct assembly stages: mounting LEDs to a circuit board, attaching the light guide to the circuit board, positioning the diffuser, and assembling the mirror components. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be prepared and tested independently before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves multiple functions: it transports light from the LEDs, distributes light uniformly across the assembly, and provides a mounting structure for the diffuser. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both the device structure and the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lighting components are used without RGB-LEDs and a light guide, then the device is simpler, but the color mixing capability and infinite tunnel effect are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the light guide are designed to interact with specific LED colors, and the diffuser is positioned to optimize color mixing at different locations. This local optimization of light interaction enables effective color mixing while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves as an intermediary that facilitates color mixing by transporting and distributing light from multiple RGB LEDs before the light reaches the diffuser. This intermediary structure enables versatile color mixing capabilities without requiring complex optical systems or multiple separate light sources for each color.
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 increased light intensity, uniformity, and color mixing, producing a perceived infinite tunnel effect with adjustable light characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide having a first portion extending along a first axis and a second portion extending along a second axis... project light along the first axis, through the first portion of the light guide
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser arranged proximate to an outer perimeter of the second portion of the light guide to diffuse light from the LEDs along a surface of the diffuser
Implementation Method 3
a first mirrored portion... a lens including a second mirrored portion facing the first mirrored portion, where light diffused by the diffuser and reflected by the first mirrored portion and second mirrored portions produces a projected image
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror assembly is described herein. The mirror assembly includes a light guide having a first portion extending along a first axis and a second portion extending along a second axis. The mirror assembly includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged to project light along the first axis, through the first portion of the light guide, and out of the second portion of the light guide. The mirror assembly includes a diffuser arranged proximate to an outer perimeter of the second portion of the light guide, to diffuse light from the LEDs along a surface of the diffuser. The diffuser is at least partially surrounding a first mirrored portion. The mirror assembly includes a lens. The lens includes a second mirrored portion facing the first mirrored portion, where light diffused by the diffuser and reflected by the first mirrored portion and second mirrored portions produces a projected image.