Vehicle Illumination Device with Segmented Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle illumination devices using light guides are limited to producing full-surface light distributions, lacking the capability to generate other types of light distributions.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device featuring an elongate light guide with disjunct output regions along its lateral surface, allowing for the creation of a light graphic by extracting light through these regions, which can be projected onto a surface using a lens array or mask to achieve varying shapes and contrast levels, utilizing a light source such as LEDs or laser diodes for customizable color and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light guide is used for total-reflection guiding of light, then full-surface light distribution is achieved, but the capability to generate other types of light distributions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The output structure is segmented into multiple disjunct output regions along the lateral surface of the light guide. Each output region can independently extract light to form separate elements of a light graphic, enabling versatile light distribution patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light guide are assigned different functions: some regions have output structures for light extraction while other regions maintain total-reflection properties for light guiding. This local differentiation enables the light guide to produce complex light distributions through controlled local light extraction.
2Illumination intensity
If disjunct output regions are used to create light graphics, then appealing visual patterns are produced, but light extraction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide uses partial light extraction at disjunct output regions rather than continuous extraction along the entire lateral surface. This partial action approach creates appealing graphic patterns while minimizing overall light loss, as most of the light guide surface continues to support total-reflection guiding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disjunct output regions are provided for light graphic generation, then customizable light patterns are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The output structure is divided into multiple disjunct regions that can be independently configured for different light graphic elements. This segmentation enables high customization of light patterns while allowing each region to be manufactured using standard techniques, balancing versatility with manufacturability.
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
Enables the production of appealing and adaptable light graphics on vehicle surfaces or external areas, offering flexible placement and high-contrast imaging, enhancing interior and exterior lighting with customizable color options.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate light guide, which is bounded along its longitudinal extent by a lateral surface. The light guide is adapted for total-reflection guiding of light of the at least one light source along a light propagation direction
Implementation Method 2
an output structure is provided in the lateral surface of the light guide for the extraction of (previously introduced light), which emerges from the light guide along the light propagation direction through an exit region of the lateral surface by negating the total reflection condition
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device for a motor vehicle includes at least one light source and an elongated waveguide which is delimited along the length thereof by a lateral surface. The waveguide is configured to guide light from the at least one light source along a light propagation direction in a totally reflective manner, the light propagation direction corresponding to the length of the waveguide. The light of the at least one light source can be coupled into the waveguide via a coupling surface at an end face of the waveguide, and a decoupling structure is provided in the lateral surface of the waveguide for decoupling light, which exits the waveguide via an exit region of the lateral surface along the light propagation direction, thereby overriding the total reflection condition.