Translucent Radiator Grille Light Guide for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated motor vehicle radiator grilles suffer from inadequate light homogeneity and intensity, with complex designs increasing manufacturing and assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle radiator grille assembly featuring a clear front cover, an opaque rear cover, and an elongated light guide with multiple branches connected by a single piece of translucent material, allowing for adjustable light emission and reduced production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a visible light guide is used to illuminate the grille, then the light guide structure is simple and visible, but the light homogeneity is unsatisfactory and the light intensity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple light-guiding elements (first light-guiding element, second light-guiding element, third light-guiding element) arranged in parallel. Each element receives light from a corresponding light source and directs it to the grille, distributing the illumination across multiple paths to achieve homogeneous and intense lighting while keeping each individual element simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light sources and multiple light-guiding elements are combined into a unified illumination system. The light sources are positioned behind the grille and work together with the light-guiding elements to produce coordinated illumination effects, achieving both high light intensity and homogeneity through collaborative operation.
2Illumination intensity
If the light guide is positioned to be visible through the air passage openings, then direct illumination is achieved, but the light guide is partially obscured by the ribs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the light guide in front of the grille where it would be visible but obscured by ribs, the light sources and light-guiding elements are positioned behind the grille. This inverted arrangement allows the light to pass through the grille openings directly to illuminate the area in front, achieving direct illumination without the light guide being obscured.
3Reliability
If a closed system grille design is used, then lighting components are separated from the external environment, but the construction and assembly becomes relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light-guiding elements serve multiple functions: they guide light from the sources behind the grille, distribute illumination across the grille surface, and can be integrated with the grille structure itself. This multi-functionality allows the lighting components to be separated from the external environment for reliability while maintaining relatively simple construction and assembly through structural integration.
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 more homogeneous and intense lighting without complicating assembly or manufacturing, enhancing visibility and design variability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated light guide (3)... The light guide can be clear or colored... The light guide comprises a first branch (5), a second branch (6), and a connecting piece (7)... Each branch includes a light-exit surface extending over most of the length of the light guide and directed towards the front cover. Furthermore, each branch has at least one end a light-inlet surface onto which at least one of the light sources is directed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a translucent radiator grille assembly comprising a translucent front cover (1) and an opaque rear cover (2), between which the interior of the grille is defined. This interior contains a light guide (3), a holder (4) for the light guide (3), and at least two light sources directed towards the ends of the light guide. The light guide (3) is attached to the rear cover (2) by means of the holder (4) and comprises two branches that are rigidly connected by a connecting element (7). The branches and the connecting element are made from a single piece of material. Each branch includes a surface (8) for light emission, which extends over most of the length of the light guide (3) and is directed towards the front cover (1).