UV Illuminated Instrument Cluster with Phosphor Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and potential for manufacturing errors in instrument clusters increase with the use of multiple different colored LEDs for illumination, which complicates the design and visibility in reduced light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An instrument cluster utilizing ultra-violet light sources and a crystalline structure powder layer that transforms UV light into visible light, applied between the interior surface of the instrument panel and the UV light sources, providing a single source solution for multi-colored illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple different colored LEDs are used to provide multi-colored illumination, then the instrument cluster becomes easier to read and more aesthetically pleasing, but the design complexity increases and manufacturing errors become more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple colored LED light sources into a single illumination system by integrating different colored LEDs within a common housing structure. This merging approach maintains the multi-colored illumination benefit while reducing the number of separate components, simplifying the overall design and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to using entirely separate illumination systems for each color.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument cluster illumination system is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified approach. The same illumination housing and mounting structure support multiple colored LEDs, allowing the system to provide both functional illumination and aesthetic coloring through a single integrated component rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple different colored LEDs are used to provide multi-colored illumination, then the instrument cluster becomes easier to read and more aesthetically pleasing, but the possibility of manufacturing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple colored LEDs into a single integrated housing unit with a unified mounting structure, the patent reduces the number of separate assembly operations required. This consolidation decreases the cumulative risk of manufacturing errors that would arise from assembling multiple separate LED components individually, while still achieving the desired multi-colored illumination effect.
3Device complexity
If UV light sources are used with a crystalline structure powder layer to transform UV light into visible light, then the design is simplified and the panel is protected from UV degradation, but additional layers and materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The crystalline structure powder layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a phosphor material to convert UV light into visible light for illumination, and also functions as a protective barrier between the UV LED and the polycarbonate panel. This multi-functionality reduces overall design complexity despite adding a layer, as it eliminates the need for separate protective coatings and phosphor layers that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The crystalline structure powder layer acts as an intermediary substance between the UV light source and the polycarbonate panel. It mediates the interaction by absorbing UV radiation and converting it to visible light, while also serving as a protective interface that prevents direct UV exposure to the panel, thereby simplifying the overall design by eliminating the need for additional protective measures.
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 simplifies the design by using a single type of UV light source and protects the panel from UV degradation while offering customizable and aesthetically pleasing multi-colored illumination, enhancing readability in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the base layer is a crystalline structure powder layer operable to transform ultra-violet light into light within a visible light spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument cluster for a vehicle includes at least one ultra-violet light source behind an instrument panel. A base layer is applied to the instrument panel between the light source and the panel. The base is a crystalline structure powder layer operable to transform ultra-violet light into light within a visible light spectrum.