Vehicle Emblem Light Guide for Uniform LED Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle emblems and badges with LED backlighting suffer from non-uniform luminance, leading to bright spots and increased energy consumption, while current solutions like OLED technology or complex lens arrangements are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design element featuring a light assembly with a light guide, reflector, and LEDs, where the light guide includes light entry regions with conical surfaces and step-down surfaces for internal reflection, and complimentary ribs and channels to control light distribution, along with a lens assembly and transparent coating for uniform light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional LED backlighting is used in vehicle emblems, then the LED input is not directly visible to external viewers, but non-uniform luminance occurs causing bright spots and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into multiple light entry regions, each receiving light from separate LEDs. This segmentation allows precise control of light distribution across different zones of the emblem, enabling uniform overall luminance while using fewer total LEDs, thus reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light guide are designed with varying optical properties and geometries to match local lighting requirements. Light entry regions have specific configurations optimized for their position, creating uniform luminance distribution across the emblem surface without over-illuminating certain areas, thereby reducing total energy consumption.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional LED backlighting is used in vehicle emblems, then the LED input is not directly visible to external viewers, but non-uniform luminance occurs creating bright spots
Solution Approach 1:
The optical structure is divided into modular light entry regions with standardized geometries. Each region follows the same design pattern, simplifying manufacturing while achieving uniform light distribution. This modular approach avoids the need for complex custom optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex lenses and reflectors to redirect light, the invention inverts the approach by designing the light guide itself with integrated light-controlling geometries. The light guide structure performs the function traditionally requiring separate optical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If highly diffusing materials are used to achieve uniform luminance, then a uniform light output is achieved, but the appearance becomes milky or hazy with poor optical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide uses localized geometric features at light entry regions rather than bulk diffusing materials. This approach maintains the clarity and optical efficiency of the light guide material while achieving uniform light distribution through precise geometric control of light entry and propagation paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the light guide structure (entry region shapes, sizes, and positions) to control light distribution, rather than changing the optical parameters of the bulk material. This maintains high optical efficiency while achieving uniform luminance output.
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 uniform and energy-efficient backlighting system that reduces hotspots and minimizes energy consumption, achieving a homogenous light output while maintaining optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
light from each LED enters the light guide via its respective light entry region, where is directed toward the light diffusing region of the light guide via internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
the reflector element and light guide further comprise complimentary ribs and channels for controlling light distribution near the light entry regions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to vehicle emblems, badges, logos or design elements and in particular to a vehicle design element including a light assembly that can provide a uniform light output without the light source being viewable.