Quantum Dot Emblem Illumination for Vehicle Grilles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle grilles with emblems are difficult to illuminate effectively using existing lighting technologies.
Innovation Solution
A lighted grille surround for vehicles that incorporates a fascia with a mounted or molded emblem containing quantum dots, an energy source to excite these dots, and a controller to activate lights in response to predetermined operating conditions, utilizing UV and RGB LEDs for dynamic illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting technologies are used to illuminate the grille and emblem, then the lighting structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the illumination effectiveness is poor and visually appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing quantum dots with specific size parameters (2-10 nanometers) that emit different wavelengths of light. By controlling the size and composition of quantum dots, the system achieves variable color emission and enhanced illumination effectiveness that traditional lighting cannot provide, directly resolving the contradiction between illumination quality and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining quantum dots with encapsulating matrices or polymers to create a functional emblem illumination system. This composite approach enables the emblem to exhibit both structural integrity and advanced optical properties, achieving superior illumination effectiveness while maintaining manufacturability through established composite material processing techniques.
2Adaptability or versatility
If quantum dots are used to illuminate the emblem, then the visual appeal and adaptability to various modes are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the quantum dot implementation into distinct functional layers: quantum dot material layer, encapsulating matrix layer, and substrate layer. This segmented approach allows each layer to be optimized and manufactured separately using specialized processes, then assembled into the final emblem, thereby enhancing adaptability while managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encapsulating matrix or polymer layer that mediates between the quantum dots and the external environment. This intermediary protects the quantum dots from degradation while allowing optical properties to manifest, enabling versatile lighting modes without requiring direct handling of sensitive quantum dot materials during manufacturing, thus improving ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a controller with multiple lights is used to activate quantum dots and illuminate the fascia, then the functionality for various operating conditions is enhanced, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a controller that performs multiple functions: activating quantum dots for emblem illumination, controlling fascia perimeter lights, and responding to various operating conditions (daytime running lights, turn signals, parking lights). This multi-functional controller reduces the need for separate control systems for each lighting function, enhancing adaptability while managing overall system complexity through integrated control 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 provides a visually appealing and functional illumination of the grille and emblem, adapting to various vehicle modes and conditions such as welcome, farewell, daytime running, and turn signals, enhancing the aesthetic and operational functionality of vehicle lighting.
Implementation Method 1
an emblem that can be illuminated utilizing quantum dots... an energy source to excite the quantum dots... UV LEDs are used to excite the quantum dots
Implementation Method 2
the emblem includes a layer of electrically chargeable film such that when not charged the film is opaque and when charged the film becomes clear to allow light to excite the quantum dots
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of lights include at least UV and/or white/RGB LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fascia and an emblem mounted or molded to the fascia, where the emblem includes a plurality of quantum dots. The apparatus also includes an energy source to excite the quantum dots. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, providing an emblem with a plurality of quantum dots, mounting or molding the emblem to a fascia, and selectively exciting the quantum dots to illuminate the emblem.