Shaped Light Guide for Uniform Automotive Component Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for illuminating automotive components, such as grills, are limited to light sources placed behind opaque objects, resulting in non-uniform and inefficient light distribution.
Innovation Solution
An illumination assembly featuring a light guide shaped to match the automotive component, with light extracting structures along its length to emit light uniformly or concentrated in specific areas, and optionally including multiple light sources and a light modulator for dynamic control of illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed behind opaque objects (e.g., grill ornament), then the automotive component can be illuminated, but the light distribution becomes non-uniform and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the automotive component. The light guide receives light from the light source and distributes it uniformly across the component through its length, transforming the non-uniform light distribution into uniform illumination while improving light efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide distributes light along its length (one dimension) to achieve uniform illumination across the automotive component. By extending the light distribution in the longitudinal direction of the light guide, the system achieves uniform two-dimensional illumination on the component surface
2Illumination intensity
If a light guide is used to propagate light along its length, then uniform illumination is achieved, but the component's original appearance during the day is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is implemented as a thin, flexible structure that can be conformally attached to the automotive component. This thin-film approach allows the light guide to be nearly invisible during the day while maintaining the component's original appearance, yet still effectively propagate and distribute light when illuminated
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 dynamic illumination of automotive components, enhancing their visual appeal and functionality with adjustable brightness and color, while maintaining the component's original appearance during the day.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide is configured to propagate light received from the light source along a length of the light guide
Implementation Method 2
The light guide includes light extracting structures configured to cause light to be emitted from the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination assembly for illuminating an automotive component. The illumination assembly includes a light guide that emits light along its length and that has a shape of the automotive component.