Triangular Prism Light Pipe Connection Reducing Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guiding devices with connection bridges molded from the same material as light pipes suffer from light leakage and interference, leading to misjudgment of product status due to unwanted illumination of adjacent indicators.
Innovation Solution
The connection bridges are redesigned as triangular prisms with acute angles to reflect leaking light back into the light pipes, preventing light leakage and interference by being molded as a single component with the light pipes from transparent plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rectangular bars are used as connection bridges to connect light pipes, then manufacturing cost is reduced and assembly is simplified, but light leakage and interference occur between adjacent light pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bridge is designed with an asymmetric triangular prism shape instead of a symmetric rectangular bar. The triangular cross-section with specific angle configurations creates asymmetric light reflection paths that direct leaking light back into the light pipe, preventing cross-interference between adjacent light pipes while maintaining the cost-effective molded single-component structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connection bridge converts the harmful light leakage phenomenon into a beneficial reflection mechanism. By designing the triangular prism surfaces with specific angles, light that would normally leak between light pipes is instead reflected back into the source light pipe, turning the connection bridge from a source of interference into a light-recycling structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light pipes are isolated and mounted separately, then light leakage and interference are avoided, but product cost increases and production process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bridge is segmented into multiple triangular prism units arranged in a specific pattern. Each triangular prism segment independently handles light reflection for adjacent light pipe pairs, allowing the structure to prevent light leakage across multiple light pipes while remaining part of a single molded component, thus avoiding the need for separate mounting of each light pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular prism connection bridge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mechanically connects adjacent light pipes, provides structural support, and optically reflects leaking light back into the source light pipe. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate isolation structures for each light pipe, simplifying the production process while preventing light interference
3Ease of operation
If connection bridges are molded as a single component with light pipes, then assembly is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but light leakage occurs between light pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bridge incorporates localized triangular prism structures at specific positions where light leakage is most likely to occur between light pipes. These localized optical features are integrated into the otherwise simple connection bridge structure, maintaining ease of assembly as a single molded component while providing targeted light reflection functionality at critical interfaces
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 design minimizes light leakage and interference, ensuring accurate illumination and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining assembly ease, thereby enhancing user judgment of product status.
Implementation Method 1
two other surfaces having acute angles with the connection surface configured to reflect leaking light back into the light pipe where the leaking light comes from
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~4C
AI summary
A device for transporting light is provided. The device comprises at least two light pipes and at least one connection part, the at least two light pipes and the at least one connection part are molded with same material as a single component, wherein each connection part includes a triangular prism having a connection surface for connecting the at least two light pipes and the other surfaces having acute angles with the connection surface.