Multi-color Illumination Device with Light Guide and Dual LED Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-color illumination devices often require numerous light sources to indicate various statuses, leading to increased power consumption and complexity, particularly in applications like electric vehicle charge status indicators.
Innovation Solution
A multi-color illumination device utilizing a light guide with two light sources, such as LEDs, where the intensity or operation parameters of each source are controlled to provide different status indications, minimizing the number of sources needed and simplifying the system by creating a transition zone for color mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to indicate various statuses, then the status indication capability is improved, but the power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (first light source and second light source) into a single integrated illumination device with a shared light guide and controller. This merging approach allows the system to provide multiple status indications while reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate indicator lamps for each status.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different combinations of the first and second light sources. The controller can illuminate either light source individually or both simultaneously, enabling the device to indicate various statuses (first status, second status, and third status) with a single multi-functional unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to indicate various statuses, then the status indication capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts which light sources are illuminated based on the specific status indication required. By selectively activating only the necessary light sources (first light source, second light source, or both) rather than keeping all sources continuously active, the system optimizes power consumption while maintaining full status indication capability.
3Device complexity
If fewer light sources are used, then the power consumption and system complexity are reduced, but the status indication capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into distinct controllable components (first light source, second light source, and their respective illumination regions along the light guide). This segmentation allows the controller to independently manage each light source, enabling multiple status indications with fewer physical components by creating distinct illumination zones that can be activated in different combinations.
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 approach reduces power requirements and simplifies the system while providing finer resolution in status indications with fewer light sources, achieving efficient and effective multi-color illumination for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide having a first end and a second end; a first light source located adjacent the first end of the light guide; a second light source located adjacent the second end of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-color illumination devices that can be used in various indicator-related or ambient lighting applications, particularly for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, the multi-color illumination device includes a light guide having a first end and a second end, a first light source located adjacent the first end of the light guide, and a second light source located adjacent the second end of the light guide. The multi-color illumination device is configured for attachment to a controller configured to illuminate the first light source, the second light source, or both the first light source and the second light source in accordance with one or more operation parameters to provide a status indication.