Translucent Component Light Emission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating ambient lighting in motor vehicles often result in unwanted scattered light at joints between translucent and opaque components, disrupting the visual appearance of the lighting.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production and processing of translucent components with an oversize second region, coated with an opaque layer, which is then shortened to create a precise, defined light emission point, eliminating scattered light and achieving a zero joint or controlled assembly joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the translucent component is positioned close to the opaque component to eliminate scattered light, then the visual appearance of ambient lighting is improved, but assembly precision requirements increase and assembly complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-structuring the translucent component with integrated light-blocking features (such as opaque coatings or geometric designs) during the manufacturing stage. This allows the component to inherently control light emission patterns without requiring precise post-assembly positioning, thereby eliminating scattered light while maintaining simplified assembly procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between translucent component and opaque component is reduced to zero to prevent scattered light, then light emission control is improved, but manufacturing and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing selective light-blocking structures at specific locations on the translucent component, such as opaque coatings applied only to certain surfaces or geometric features positioned at critical locations. This localized approach controls scattered light emission without requiring the entire component assembly to achieve zero distance precision, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving light emission control.
3Manufacturing precision
If an opaque layer is applied to the translucent component to control light emission, then light emission definition is improved, but light transmission and brightness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively applying opaque layers only to specific regions of the translucent component where light emission control is needed, such as edges or specific surfaces that would otherwise produce scattered light. The majority of the component surface remains translucent to maintain high light transmission and brightness, thereby achieving defined light emission without significant reduction in overall illumination intensity.
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 approach ensures defined light emission and prevents unwanted scattered light, providing a precise and optically sealed line of light, enhancing the visual appeal of ambient lighting by reducing light loss and absorption.
Implementation Method 1
Coating the translucent component with an opaque (i.e. light-impermeable) layer at least in the region of an end of the at least one second region facing away from the base region
Implementation Method 2
the coupled-out light reaches the translucent component and thus from the slot-like opening into the interior of the motor vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing and processing a translucent component (12), which in the mounted state is intended to substantially fill at least one light-exit opening, wherein the at least one light-exit opening is formed between at least two opaque components or in at least one opaque component. According to the invention, the method is characterized by the following method steps that are to be successively carried out: • producing the translucent component (12) with at least one base region (120), having in cross section, and at least one second region (121), protruding from the base region (120), wherein the at least one second region (121) is produced with an oversize (Ü); • coating the translucent component (12) with an opaque layer (B), at least in the region of an end (123) of the second region (121) that is remote from the base region (120), in such a way that also the end (123) of the second region (121) is covered by the opaque layer (B); • shortening the at least one second region (121) by the amount of the oversize (Ü). The method according to the invention allows a defined exit of light from the translucent component (12) to be achieved in the mounted state. This is very helpful especially for producing ambient lighting in the interior of motor vehicles.