Vehicle Grille Assembly with Integrated Lighting and Message Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle grille assemblies lack the ability to provide both functional lighting and stylistic elements effectively, especially in exterior applications where they can convey messages or enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle grille assembly is designed with a panel and substrate that are sealingly coupled, featuring a matrix of light sources and a diffuser between the light sources and the panel, allowing for the illumination of messages and enhanced lighting, along with a method of manufacturing that involves molding a polymeric translucent panel and overmolding a substrate to encapsulate the light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a vehicle grille assembly uses traditional non-illuminated design, then manufacturing is simpler and structure is less complex, but it cannot provide functional lighting or convey messages in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grille assembly with lighting functionality by integrating light sources, diffusers, and message display elements directly into the grille structure. The panel and substrate are sealingly coupled to define a cavity that houses these lighting components, merging aesthetic styling with functional illumination and message conveyment in a single integrated assembly.
2Reliability
If light sources are added to the grille assembly, then visibility and message conveyment are improved, but protection of light sources from environmental factors becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The panel and substrate are sealingly coupled to form an integrated protective enclosure that houses the light sources. This sealing structure protects the light sources from environmental factors such as moisture and debris while maintaining a relatively simple overall design through the integrated nature of the panel and substrate assembly.
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 unique aesthetic appearance, enhanced lighting for the vehicle, and the ability to convey messages or information to onlookers, while also improving visibility in low-light conditions through selective illumination patterns and colors.
Implementation Method 1
A diffuser is disposed between the light source and a portion of the panel
Implementation Method 2
molding a panel that is formed from a polymeric, translucent material
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle grille assembly is provided herein. The grille assembly includes a panel sealingly coupled to a substrate and defining a cavity therebetween. A light source is disposed within the cavity. A diffuser is disposed between the light source and a portion of the panel.