Multi-Layer Light-Conducting Coating to Reduce Heat and LED Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-conducting coatings for vehicles and surfaces face challenges in achieving sufficient light transmission and conduction, especially on curved or deformed surfaces, leading to increased costs and heat issues due to the need for multiple LEDs and diffusers, which compromise the surface material's longevity and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer composite film with a printed or embossed light-conducting structure that integrates LEDs in a non-visible area, utilizing translucent or opaque materials with light-scattering properties to distribute light evenly, allowing for efficient light conduction and transmission while reducing heat input and maintaining a rich color scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs and diffusers are used to achieve sufficient light transmission and conduction on curved surfaces, then light distribution is improved, but heat input increases and surface material longevity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source (LED) from the visible surface area and relocates it to a non-visible area behind the coating material. This separation allows the light-conducting structure to guide light across the surface without the heat-generating LED being in direct contact with the surface material, thereby reducing thermal input while maintaining effective light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-conducting structure (light guide) as an intermediary element between the LED light source and the surface material. This mediator transports light energy across the surface while physically isolating the heat-generating LED from the surface, enabling effective illumination without direct thermal contact.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs and diffusers are used to achieve sufficient light transmission and conduction, then light distribution is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, light-conducting structure, and coating material into an integrated assembly. By combining these elements into a single unit with the LED positioned in a non-visible area, the design eliminates the need for multiple separate LEDs and diffusers, thereby reducing component count and overall system costs while maintaining effective light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-conducting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light across the surface, provides structural integration for the LED placement, and maintains the coating material's aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, lowering overall system complexity and cost.
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are placed close to the surface for effective illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat input to surface material increases compromising longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat-generating LED from proximity to the surface material and relocates it to a non-visible area behind the coating. This spatial separation maintains effective illumination through the light-conducting structure while eliminating direct thermal exposure to the surface material, thereby preserving material longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-conducting structure acts as an intermediary that allows the LED to be positioned away from the surface while still providing effective illumination. This mediator enables the LED to operate at optimal intensity without directly heating the surface material, protecting it from thermal degradation.
4Illumination intensity
If a light-guiding structure is introduced to distribute light evenly, then light distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-guiding function directly into the coating material structure itself. By integrating the light-conducting properties into the existing coating layers rather than adding separate complex guiding components, the design achieves even light distribution while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating material structure serves dual functions: it provides the protective and aesthetic coating while simultaneously acting as the light-guiding medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate light-guiding components, achieving even light distribution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
This solution enables effective planar ambient lighting on curved surfaces with reduced LED requirements, lower costs, and improved surface material longevity by moving the light source to a non-visible area and using light-scattering properties for even light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing translucent or opaque materials with light-scattering properties to distribute light evenly
Implementation Method 2
A multi-layer composite film with a printed or embossed light-conducting structure that integrates LEDs in a non-visible area
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Light-guiding and/or at least partially light-transmitting, planar coating material made of plastic as a surface coating of an object, wherein the coating material is designed as a multi-layered film composite, wherein the film composite within its layer structure has at least one film which is provided with a printed or embossed light-guiding or light-transmitting structure.