Offset-Lit Emblem Lens Assembly for Uniform Vehicle Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated emblem assemblies often produce radial illumination patterns that are not desired, leading to a need for improved homogeneity and luminance in illuminated displays, particularly for branding on vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-component outer lens with a light source offset from the illuminated area, combined with a multi-shot injection molding process using materials like black and clear PMMA, and the integration of a light-emitting diode (LED) assembly with a heat sink and printed circuit board, along with a reflective coating and textured surfaces to enhance lighting distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a typical light source is used to illuminate an emblem, then the emblem can be illuminated in dark conditions, but the illumination produces a radial pattern that is not desired and reduces homogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element (lens or reflector) between the light source and the emblem to modify the radial light pattern into a more uniform illumination distribution. This intermediary component redirects and diffuses the light rays to eliminate the unwanted radial pattern while maintaining adequate illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the illumination system by using specialized lenses or reflectors with specific optical properties. These optical elements transform the light distribution pattern from radial to uniform, thereby improving illumination homogeneity without sacrificing brightness.
2Manufacturing precision
If a multi-component outer lens with offset light source is used, then illumination homogeneity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integrated lens assembly. The multi-component outer lens is designed to perform both structural support and optical redistribution functions, thereby improving illumination homogeneity while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite optical structures combining different materials with complementary optical properties. The multi-component lens uses materials with varying refractive indices and optical densities to achieve uniform light distribution, leveraging the strengths of each material to optimize performance while managing 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 achieves improved homogeneity and luminance in illuminated emblems, enhancing visual appearance and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining a low-profile design suitable for vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting diode (LED) assembly having one or more LED lights
Implementation Method 2
a reflective coating is applied to at least a portion of the interior surface of the outer lens
Implementation Method 3
integration of a light-emitting diode (LED) assembly with a heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated emblem assembly includes a multi-component outer lens having an exterior surface and an interior surface further comprising an externally visible area to be illuminated, an inner lens having an exterior surface and an interior surface, a printed circuit board assembly, a heat sink, a housing for the inner and outer lenses, and at least one light source, wherein the at least one light source is offset from the externally visible area to be illuminated. A method of manufacturing the illuminated emblem assembly includes injection molding the multi-component outer lens, providing the inner lens, providing the housing for the inner and outer lenses, providing the at least one light source, and assembling the inner and outer lenses and the at least one light source within the housing to obtain the illuminated emblem assembly.