Offset Light Conductors for Thermal Stress Relief in Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices for creating a continuous light strip along large surfaces, such as in motor vehicles, face issues with thermal expansion leading to mechanical stress and potential damage, particularly in extreme temperatures, causing interruptions or material degradation.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using two light conductors that cross over at their ends, arranged offset to avoid mechanical pressure and allow relative movement, with a receiving device having a lower thermal expansion coefficient to maintain a stable light strip, and L-shaped conductors for even illumination, ensuring minimal brightness variations and tolerance in manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single light conductor is used to create a continuous light strip along a large surface, then the light strip can be continuous and evenly bright, but thermal expansion causes mechanical stress leading to hairline cracks or destruction of the light conductor
Solution Approach 1:
The light conductor is divided into multiple segments (first light conductor and second light conductor) that are arranged offset to one another. This segmentation allows each segment to expand and contract independently during temperature changes, preventing mechanical stress accumulation while maintaining continuous light emission along the large surface.
2Area of stationary object
If the light conductor is made longer to surround a larger area, then the illumination coverage increases, but thermal expansion and contraction cause mechanical tensions and potential destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The light conductor is divided into multiple segments (first light conductor and second light conductor) that are arranged offset to one another. This segmentation allows each segment to expand and contract independently during temperature changes, preventing mechanical stress accumulation while maintaining continuous light emission along the large surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The light conductors are arranged in an offset configuration rather than in a single linear sequence, effectively utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions. This offset positioning creates thermal expansion compensation zones while maintaining coverage of the required large area.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple light conductors are used to cover large areas, then the illumination coverage increases, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light conductors are merged into a single integrated illumination system where the first and second light conductors work together as complementary components. The offset arrangement allows them to function as a unified system that provides continuous illumination while simplifying the overall structure compared to alternative multi-conductor configurations.
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 design enables a continuous, evenly bright light strip along large surfaces without interruptions, even under temperature fluctuations, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing material damage, while maintaining consistent brightness and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a ring shaped light conductor made of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, Plexiglas) can be used into which light is coupled on both ends
Implementation Method 2
the light conductor has scattering centers i.e., for example indents on its outer walling or reflecting particles in its inside by which a portion of the light is respectively deflected and exits the light conductor
Implementation Method 3
thermally caused changes in length of the light conductor can cause mechanical tensions in its material which can lead to hairline cracks in the material or even destruction of the light conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device for producing a light strip along a predetermined distance includes light sources and light conductors, wherein light of a first one of the light sources is distributable along a first section of the distance by a first one of the light conductors up to an end region of the first light conductor, wherein light of a second one of the light sources is distributable along a second section of the distance by a second one of the light conductors up to an end region of the second light conductor, and wherein the end region of the first light conductor and the end region of the second light conductor are arranged adjacent one another along the distance.