Single Light Guide Illuminating Two Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light guide and LED systems for illuminating vehicle instrument panel gauges result in uneven illumination, requiring multiple light guides to cover a 360-degree area, increasing material costs and space consumption.
Innovation Solution
A single light guide assembly with two pairs of LEDs emitting light in opposite directions, combined with a protrusion for specific light leakage orientation and surfacing features like ribs or micro lenses to ensure even illumination of two gauge areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single light guide is used to illuminate multiple gauge areas, then material costs and space requirements are reduced, but uneven illumination occurs with areas further from the light guide entrance leaking less light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the light guide geometry along its length. Specifically, the light guide has a varying cross-sectional area where the width and/or height change progressively from the light source end to the distal end. This geometric variation compensates for light attenuation, ensuring that areas further from the light source receive adequate illumination. The light guide may also incorporate varying refractive indices or surface treatments at different locations to optimize light extraction locally, thereby achieving uniform illumination across all gauge areas while using a single light guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying physical parameters of the light guide such as its cross-sectional dimensions, refractive index, or surface characteristics along its length. The width and height of the light guide are varied progressively to compensate for light loss during transmission. Additionally, the refractive index may be changed at different sections, or surface treatments like micro-lenses or diffusers are applied selectively to control light extraction. These parameter variations enable a single light guide to provide uniform illumination across multiple gauge areas despite distance-related attenuation.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light guides are used to cover a full 360 degree area of a gauge, then even illumination is achieved, but material costs and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple illumination functions into a single light guide. Instead of using separate light guides for different gauge areas, one light guide is designed to illuminate multiple areas simultaneously. This is achieved by configuring the light guide with multiple light extraction surfaces or facets that direct light to different gauges. The light guide may have a complex three-dimensional geometry with protrusions or angled surfaces that redirect light to various directions, thereby consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate light guides into one integrated component, reducing material costs and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single light guide that performs multiple illumination functions. The light guide is configured to serve several gauge areas simultaneously, making it a multi-functional component. It may illuminate gauges at different orientations or positions by incorporating light extraction surfaces facing different directions. This universal light guide replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized light guides, thereby reducing the quantity of components needed while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage across the instrument panel.
3Ease of manufacture
If LEDs are positioned to illuminate specific gauge areas, then targeted illumination is achieved, but the overall aesthetic appearance and even light distribution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a simple linear or planar light guide configuration to a three-dimensional structure with varying cross-sections and multiple extraction surfaces. The light guide incorporates width and height variations along its length, creating a multi-dimensional geometry that enables light extraction in multiple directions. This three-dimensional configuration allows the light guide to provide both targeted illumination for specific gauge areas and even light distribution for aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between localized and uniform illumination requirements.
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
Achieves even light distribution across multiple gauge areas, reducing material costs and space requirements while maintaining a desirable aesthetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The LED emits light which is scattered within the light guide; light then leaks from the light guide as the light travels through it
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide assembly for illuminating two gauges utilizing a single light guide includes of a two pairs of light sources such as LEDs, OLED's, quantum dots or other useful light sources functioning to emit light in opposite directions. A light guide receives the light emitted by the LEDs and leaks light out of its open surfaces. A protrusion from the light guide which leaks light in a specific orientation depending on its geometry illuminates a second gauge. An opaque gauge which covers the main portion of the light guide and is located above the light guide.