Vehicle Running Board Lighting with Diffusing Waveguides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle exterior lighting assemblies lack the ability to provide customizable and efficient lighting solutions that adapt to different vehicle states and user preferences, particularly in terms of color and position.

Innovation Solution

A running board with integrated lighting assemblies featuring light-diffusing waveguides, reflective layers, and laser diodes, where the lighting modules are optically coupled to produce various colors of light based on movement or user input, and are designed to be operable in multiple positions to enhance visibility and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lighting assemblies are used on vehicle exteriors, then the lighting features are limited and cannot be customized, but adding additional lighting assemblies increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting customizationVSAvoidlighting assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting assembly integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the waveguide structure serves both as a light distribution medium and a protective channel; the reflective layer both redirects light and seals the assembly; the extruded housing provides both structural support and environmental protection. This multi-functionality enables lighting customization without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the waveguide material (refractive index, scattering properties) and the reflective layer (reflectivity, geometry) to achieve different lighting patterns and colors. By changing these optical parameters rather than adding separate lighting components, the system achieves versatility while controlling structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If lighting assemblies are added to provide signature and ambient lighting, then user lighting preferences are better met, but the lighting system becomes less reliable in harsh environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting featuresVSAvoidlighting system durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an extruded housing that forms a sealed protective shell around the waveguide and reflective layer. This thin-walled but continuous housing structure provides environmental protection while maintaining the integrity of the optical components inside, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions without compromising lighting features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide acts as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment, allowing light to be distributed while the housing acts as a mediator that protects the internal components from moisture, dust, and physical damage. This separation of optical function and protective function enhances reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If light-diffusing waveguides with scattering sites are used, then light distribution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distributionVSAvoidwaveguide fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning of multiple light sources with an optical field-based solution using waveguides. The scattering sites are integrated into the waveguide material itself rather than being separate mechanical components, reducing assembly precision requirements while achieving uniform light distribution through optical diffusion principles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 customizable lighting that enhances vehicle visibility, safety, and user experience by adapting to different conditions and user preferences, while maintaining a sealed and protected lighting system from external elements.

Implementation Method 1

The light-diffusing waveguide has a plurality of scattering sites

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

Each of the plurality of lighting assemblies comprises a reflective layer defining a channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20200041087A1Vehicle lighting assembly

Publication Date: 2020.02.06 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A running board top plate is provided that comprises a plurality of light-diffusing waveguides, a reflective layer positioned around a portion of each light-diffusing waveguide, a base layer configured to receive one or more of the light-diffusing waveguides and the reflective layer, and a clear lens layer positioned over the light-diffusing waveguides, the reflective layer, and the base layer.