Semi-tubular Reflector and Diffuser for Uniform Glow Casting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user control borders in vehicles fail to consistently and efficiently cast a uniform glow in low light conditions, leading to irregular illumination and potential user input errors.
Innovation Solution
A border assembly comprising a semi-tubular reflector and diffuser configuration that discharges and diffusively transmits light along the border, ensuring a regular intensity glow by utilizing reflections off the outer sidewall and minimizing irregularities in light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional border illumination designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the glow uniformity and illumination consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The border assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: light source, reflector, and diffuser. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, resulting in uniform glow distribution while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element between the light source and the final illumination output. This intermediary component redirects and distributes light evenly, achieving uniform glow without requiring complex light source arrangements or high-cost LED arrays.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are used to improve glow coverage, then the illumination coverage increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a point-source illumination model to a distributed linear illumination model by using a tubular or semi-tubular light source configuration. This dimensional change allows a single light source to provide extended coverage along the border, eliminating the need for multiple discrete light sources while maintaining comprehensive illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector structure incorporates curved surfaces that optically 'copy' and redistribute light from the light source along the entire border length. This optical copying mechanism enables uniform illumination coverage equivalent to multiple light sources using only a single source, reducing complexity while maintaining coverage.
3Illumination intensity
If direct light emission from the border is used, then the structure is simple, but the visibility in low light conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous light redistribution along the entire border perimeter using the reflector-diffuser system. This continuous action ensures that light is constantly redirected and emitted uniformly from all border segments, providing sustained visibility in low light conditions without requiring multiple discrete illumination zones or complex control systems.
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 achieves a consistent and uniform glow along the user control borders, enhancing visibility in low light conditions and reducing the risk of user input errors through a regular intensity illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector segment is configured, in relation to light emanated from the backspace, to discharge light originating from the emanated light through the front exit all along the reflector segment with a regular intensity, with the discharged light including reflections of the emanated light off the outer sidewall
Implementation Method 2
The diffuser segment is configured to diffusively transmit the discharged light, resulting in the front face casting a glow
Data Source
AI summary
A border assembly includes a semi-tubular reflector segment and a semi-tubular diffuser segment in front of the reflector segment. The reflector segment includes an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, and a cavity therebetween. The cavity includes a backspace midway along the reflector segment and a front exit spaced therefrom. The reflector segment is configured, in relation to light emanated from the backspace, to discharge light originating from the emanated light through the front exit all along the reflector segment with a regular intensity, with the discharged light including reflections of the emanated light off the outer sidewall. The diffuser segment includes a back face positioned over the front exit and a front face spaced therefrom. The diffuser segment is configured to diffusively transmit the discharged light, resulting in the front face casting a glow.