Vehicle Pointer Illumination via Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle instrument panel pointer assemblies lack effective illumination of the pointer and perimeter ring, leading to reduced visibility and aesthetic appeal, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pointer assembly featuring a pointer arm with a platform portion and arm portion that functions as a light guide, illuminated by light emitting devices on a printed circuit board, with a cap and shroud design that directs light to create a visible and customizable illuminable perimeter and top surface, enhancing visibility and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional illumination methods are used for pointer assemblies, then the structure is simple, but the illumination uniformity and visibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide element is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the pointer/perimeter ring. The light guide receives light from LEDs mounted on the circuit board and distributes it uniformly across the pointer and perimeter ring surfaces, achieving even illumination without requiring complex multi-source lighting arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides the structural base for mounting, houses the light emitting diodes for illumination, and acts as the mounting platform for the pointer assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
2Illumination intensity
If the pointer arm is made fully transparent for light transmission, then light communication is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and readability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer arm exhibits spatially varying optical properties: the rear portion is transparent or translucent to allow light transmission from the rear-mounted LEDs, while the front portion is opaque to provide aesthetic appearance and ensure readable contrast against the scale. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between light transmission and visual clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination approach transitions from front-facing light sources to rear-facing light sources integrated into the circuit board. By moving the light source to the rear dimension, light travels through the pointer arm from back to front, enabling the front surface to remain opaque for readability while still receiving effective illumination
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are distributed throughout the pointer assembly, then illumination coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is extracted from multiple distributed sources and consolidated into a single light source location - the circuit board at the rear of the assembly. This extraction simplifies manufacturing and assembly by requiring light source installation at only one location rather than multiple locations throughout the pointer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary that takes light from a single source location and distributes it uniformly across multiple surfaces (pointer and perimeter ring). This intermediary approach achieves the illumination uniformity of multiple sources while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of a single source installation
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 provides uniform and tailored illumination of the pointer and perimeter ring, improving visibility and aesthetic appeal by ensuring light is communicated to all surfaces, enhancing the operator's experience and visual clarity in vehicle instrument panels.
Implementation Method 1
The pointer arm functions as a light guide and is illuminable by the light emitting devices on the printed circuit board
Implementation Method 2
Light emitting devices are supported on the printed circuit board and within the light housing 408. In this example, the light emitting devices are light emitting diodes (LED) 410
Data Source
AI summary
A pointer assembly for a vehicle instrument panel includes a pointer arm, a cap, and a shroud. The pointer arm includes a platform portion disposed about an axis or rotation and an arm portion extending outward from the platform portion. The platform portion includes an illuminable perimeter. The cap is secured to the platform portion of the pointer arm inside of the illuminable perimeter. The shroud is secured to the platform portion of the pointer arm outside of the illuminable perimeter, and the illuminable perimeter is visible between an outer perimeter of the cap and an inner perimeter of the shroud.