Phosphorescent Vehicle Lens for Sustained Ambient Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting systems lack the ability to provide continuous and attractive ambient illumination beyond the activation of light sources, and existing phosphorescent materials do not effectively sustain light emission for extended periods without external excitation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting assembly incorporating a phosphorescent structure on the lens that emits light in response to activation emissions, using persistent phosphorescent materials capable of emitting light for several minutes to hours, combined with a light source that illuminates the bezel, providing sustained passive illumination and dynamic lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional lighting systems are used, then immediate light emission is achieved, but continuous ambient illumination beyond activation cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The phosphorescent structure is pre-charged during daytime or when the vehicle is parked by exposing it to ambient light or sunlight. This preliminary action stores energy in the phosphorescent material, enabling it to emit light continuously during nighttime or dark conditions without requiring active power consumption from the vehicle's electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts ambient light (which would otherwise be wasted or unused during daytime) into stored energy in the phosphorescent structure. By capturing and storing this ambient illumination, the system transforms ordinary environmental light into a beneficial resource that provides continuous ambient lighting during dark periods, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming lighting components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If phosphorescent materials are used for extended light emission, then continuous ambient illumination is achieved, but existing materials do not sustain emission effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite phosphorescent structure comprising multiple phosphorescent materials with different emission characteristics and decay times. This composite approach allows the system to maintain both extended duration and sufficient intensity by combining materials that individually have complementary properties, creating a synergistic effect that sustains illumination longer while preserving brightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The phosphorescent structure is applied to specific regions of the lens rather than uniformly across the entire surface. By concentrating phosphorescent material in strategic locations, the system optimizes light emission intensity in key areas while extending overall duration, achieving both contradictory requirements through spatial differentiation of material properties.
3Illumination intensity
If simple lighting structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but attractive ambient illumination and dynamic lighting effects cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The phosphorescent lens structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the primary optical element for directing light, provides extended ambient illumination during dark conditions, creates attractive visual effects through its luminescent properties, and can display dynamic patterns by varying the phosphorescent material distribution. This multi-functionality achieves complex lighting effects without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the phosphorescent material directly into the lens structure itself, combining the optical function of the lens with the luminescent function of the phosphorescent material. This integration eliminates the need for separate lighting components and structures, achieving attractive ambient illumination and dynamic effects while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
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 solution enables continuous ambient illumination and dynamic lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of vehicle lighting systems by maintaining light emission for extended periods and adapting to various vehicular functions.
Implementation Method 1
A phosphorescent structure is disposed on the lens. The phosphorescent structure is configured to emit light in response to an activation emission
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting assembly is provided herein. The vehicle lighting assembly includes a housing including a lens and a bezel. A lamp is arranged to direct light through the lens. A phosphorescent structure is disposed on the lens. The phosphorescent structure is configured to emit light in response to an activation emission. A light source is configured to illuminate a portion of the bezel.