Vehicle Transmission Indicator Light Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle transmission indicators require excessive light emitting parts, increasing manufacturing costs and design complexity, while also being prone to water permeation due to separate assembly of components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design featuring a base with integrated PCB circuit, an opaque cover with semitransparent stage characters and selection displays, and a partition to prevent light interference, using a single light source for each part and dot-shaped light diffusing ink for uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If two light emitting parts are used per stage character (one for stage indication, one for selection indication), then the transmission position can be clearly distinguished during day and night, but the number of light emitting parts increases to 12, increasing manufacturing costs and PCB volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stage indication function and selection indication function into a single light emitting part. The cover is designed with transparent regions that allow one light source to serve dual purposes: indicating the current transmission stage and highlighting the selected stage through positional correspondence, thereby reducing the total number of light emitting parts from 12 to 6 while maintaining clear visibility during both day and night
Solution Approach 2:
Each light emitting part is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same light emitting part indicates both the current transmission stage position and the selected stage position by corresponding with transparent regions on the cover, making the light emitting parts universal components that serve dual purposes rather than requiring separate dedicated parts for each function
2Ease of manufacture
If the cover and stage character part are separately manufactured and assembled by fitting, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but water can pass through gaps between components, damaging the PCB circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cover and stage character part into a single integrated component structure. The stage characters are directly formed on the cover surface, eliminating the need for separate assembly through fitting. This integration eliminates gaps between components that could allow water penetration, thereby protecting the PCB circuit while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through molded-in features
3Area of stationary object
If the size of the transmission indicator is minimized to create space for cup holder or storage, then space utilization is improved, but the positional perceptibility of transmission becomes difficult to maintain with distinguishable light emitting parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating transparent regions at specific locations on the cover that correspond to light emitting parts. These localized transparent regions enhance light transmission and visual distinguishability at critical positions (stage characters and selection indicators) while the rest of the cover maintains its compact, space-efficient design. This allows the indicator to remain small overall while providing enhanced visual perception where needed
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
Reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies design, and enhances water resistance by integrating components and using fewer light sources, while maintaining high visibility and marketability.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate (600) provided between the PCB circuit and the stage character part of the cover, one of the light sources is provided on a side of the PCB circuit, and the stage characters of the stage character part are distinguishable by light reflection of the light guide plate when the one of the light sources emits light
Implementation Method 2
Dot-shaped light diffusing ink is printed on a surface of the light guide plate to form the stage characters
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission indicator apparatus for a vehicle, may include a base provided on a side of a gearshift lever of the vehicle, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) circuit mounted on the base and provided with light sources, a cover provided above the PCB circuit to shield an internal structure therein, wherein stage characters of a stage character part and stage selection displays of a stage selection part may be formed on the cover to transmit light of the light sources and be thus distinguished, and a partition provided in a space between the PCB circuit and the cover and located between the stage character part and the stage selection part of the cover, thus preventing light interference between the light sources.