Vehicle Badge Lighting with Embedded LEDs and Opaque Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle badges and emblems lack durable, low-power lighting solutions that provide effective backlit designs while maintaining weather resistance and compatibility with vehicle electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
A lighted badge or emblem featuring side-emitting LEDs embedded in clear polymer material, mounted at an angle to disperse light and reduce hot spots, with a thin opaque layer blocking light from the LEDs, creating a unique edge-lit effect and ensuring waterproof durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional lighting solutions are used in vehicle badges, then illumination is achieved, but power consumption is high and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional high-power lighting to LED technology, fundamentally changing the operational parameters of the lighting system. LEDs consume significantly less power while providing equivalent or superior illumination, directly resolving the contradiction between power consumption and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining clear polymer material with opaque polymer material in a multi-layer configuration. This composite design allows the clear polymer to transmit LED light effectively while the opaque layer blocks light in specific directions, creating optimal lighting performance with low power consumption and enhanced durability.
2Illumination intensity
If LEDs are mounted to illuminate the badge, then lighting is provided, but hot spots and uneven illumination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a thin opaque layer selectively positioned within the clear polymer material. This opaque layer is strategically placed to block light in specific local areas, preventing hot spots and ensuring uniform light distribution across the badge surface without requiring complex lighting control systems.
3Reliability
If the badge is made waterproof for weather resistance, then durability is improved, but light transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system where clear polymer material provides both structural integrity and light transmission, while the integrated opaque polymer layers provide weather sealing. This composite approach maintains excellent light transmission properties while ensuring complete waterproof protection against environmental elements.
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
The solution provides a durable, low-power, and weather-resistant lighting system that maintains vehicle electrical compatibility, allowing for extended illumination periods even after vehicle ignition is off, enhancing visibility and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
side-emitting LEDs embedded in clear polymer material
Implementation Method 2
mounted at an angle to disperse light and reduce hot spots
Implementation Method 3
a thin opaque layer blocking light from the LEDs, creating a unique edge-lit effect
Data Source
AI summary
A light for motor vehicles and the like includes one or more LEDs that are embedded in a polymer material. The light may be positioned on an exposed surface of the vehicle, and the encapsulation of the LEDs and other electrical components provides a waterproof assembly that is substantially impervious to ambient conditions. The light may include a light source and a light guide that are disposed in a watertight housing.