Vehicle Illumination Device with Planar Light-Guiding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting devices face challenges in enhancing stylistic appearance while maintaining space-saving designs without compromising lighting functionality.
Innovation Solution
The integration of two planar light-guiding elements, one for homogeneous light emission and the other for linear light emission, allows for a variable optical appearance, with the second element capable of backlighting the first, enabling separate light functions in a compact form. The elements are connected in specific areas, with decoupling surfaces designed for efficient light distribution, and can be produced in a single step using injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single planar light-guiding element is used for space-saving design, then the device compactness is improved, but the stylistic appearance and lighting function variability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is segmented into two distinct planar light-guiding elements: a first element for homogeneous planar light emission and a second element for linear light emission. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in a specific lighting function, enabling greater versatility and stylistic variety while maintaining the compact space-saving design through their integrated arrangement
2Shape
If multiple light-guiding elements are integrated for enhanced styling, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two planar light-guiding elements are merged into a single integrated structure where the second light-guiding element is arranged in front of and/or behind the first element in the main emission direction. This merging approach enables enhanced aesthetic appearance with variable lighting functions while minimizing structural complexity through their coordinated integration
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure of two light-guiding elements provides multi-functionality: the first element delivers homogeneous planar light for general illumination, while the second element provides linear light for accent and styling. This universal design allows a single device to fulfill multiple lighting functions and aesthetic requirements simultaneously
3Use of energy by moving object
If the second light-guiding element is arranged in front of/behind the first element, then the lighting efficiency and backlighting capability are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second light-guiding element is pre-positioned in front of and/or behind the first element in the main emission direction during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement optimizes the backlighting capability and lighting efficiency before the device is installed, ensuring that the linear light from the second element effectively enhances the homogeneous light from the first element
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 configuration allows for enhanced design flexibility and improved lighting efficiency, meeting both aesthetic and functional requirements while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
The two light units each have a front and a back as well as a narrow side connecting the same. On the narrow side of the first light unit, the light is coupled out to the side, without the flat sides of the first light unit being used for total reflection of the coupled light. The narrow side of the second arm is used for total reflection of the coupled light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device has light units (1, 2) arranged in a housing, where one of the units comprises a flat light guiding element (13). A narrow side of the element is formed as a light coupling surface. An upper flat side (14) of the element is connected to the narrow side. A lower flat side of the element lies opposite to the upper flat side. Another narrow side (17) of the element connects the flat sides, where the latter narrow side is formed as a linear light decoupling surface. The unit is connected with the light unit. A series of lighting elements i.e. LEDs, are assigned to the units.