Integrated Sidewall Light Uniformity via Optical Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving uniform lighting in enclosed environments, such as vehicle cabin interiors, is challenging due to the difficulty in blending light from multiple sources, leading to perceptible 'scalloping effects' of brighter and dimmer areas.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light array into panel assemblies with a light conditioning optical array that blends light from individual LEDs, using a light guide to collimate and mix varying wavelengths, and directing the blended light uniformly across surfaces through directional optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting sources are used to illuminate enclosed cabin space, then the lighting coverage and brightness are improved, but the lighting uniformity deteriorates due to difficulty in blending light from different sources
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple light source clusters, each contained within its own enclosure. Each cluster emits light that is independently conditioned and then blended with other clusters through the panel, allowing for precise control and uniform distribution of light across the cabin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
A light conditioning optical array is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source clusters and the panel surface. This optical array conditions and blends the light from multiple sources before it reaches the cabin, eliminating the scalloping effects and achieving uniform illumination.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional lighting arrays are installed in cabin interiors, then lighting coverage is achieved, but the installation complexity and structural weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting array is merged with the panel structure itself, with light sources, enclosures, and optical conditioning elements integrated directly into the panel assembly. This eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces installation complexity while maintaining full lighting coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the lighting system, and acts as the optical interface with the cabin. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying installation and reducing overall system weight.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional lighting arrays are installed in cabin interiors, then lighting coverage is achieved, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is combined with the existing panel structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and support structures. This integration significantly reduces the overall weight of the lighting system while maintaining full cabin coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosures for light source clusters and optical components are designed as thin, lightweight structures that provide necessary protection and optical function without adding excessive weight. These thin-film enclosures maintain structural integrity while minimizing mass.
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
This solution provides a substantially uniform lighting effect across cabin interiors, reducing installation complexity and weight while enhancing versatility and uniformity, eliminating scalloping effects and improving ambient lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a light conditioning optical array configured to blend light emitted from the light source cluster, with the light conditioning optical array in communication with the light source cluster
Implementation Method 2
a second enclosure oriented on the panel second side, with the second enclosure including a directional optical array configured to receive emitted light from the light conditioning array and direct or re-direct light received from the light conditioning array out from the second enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for conditioning or blending light for increasing the uniformity of light distribution and light wavelength customization, and light arrays integrated into structural and non-structural assemblies and sub-assemblies in cabin interiors.