Vehicle Inner Trim Sparkling LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle inner trims with integrated LED lighting suffer from diffusion effects that result in halos, loss of light intensity, and reduced definition of point light sources due to light passing through decorative linings, compromising the quality of decorative illumination.
Innovation Solution
A substrate with LEDs integrated between layers, featuring a translucent decorative lining with opaque threads forming orifices smaller than the LED's emission surface, and an intermediate opaque layer creating areas of direct and shaded light, reducing diffusion and enhancing light definition and intensity variability with angle changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If light is transmitted through the decorative lining to conceal the LEDs, then the lighting device is concealed, but diffusion effects cause halos and loss of light definition
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative lining is segmented into multiple layers: an outer translucent layer, an intermediate opaque layer with light-transmitting zones, and an inner layer. This segmentation allows the light to pass through controlled paths while maintaining concealment of the LED sources, eliminating halos and preserving point light definition.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate opaque layer is introduced as a mediator between the LED light source and the outer translucent decorative lining. This intermediate layer contains light-transmitting zones that control light passage, preventing diffusion and halo effects while allowing the outer layer to maintain its concealing function.
2Illumination intensity
If translucent decorative lining is used to transmit light, then illumination is achieved, but light intensity is reduced and definition is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate opaque layer contains localized light-transmitting zones rather than being uniformly opaque or translucent. This local quality variation allows light to pass through specific controlled paths, maintaining high intensity and sharp definition of point lights while the rest of the layer remains opaque to prevent diffusion.
3Illumination intensity
If decorative lining transmits light directly, then illumination is provided, but halos are generated and light definition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate opaque layer with light-transmitting zones acts as a mediator that controls light passage. It allows light to pass through defined paths while blocking diffused light that would create halos, thus maintaining sharp point light definition and preventing halo formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer contains light-transmitting zones that function similarly to porous structures, allowing light to pass through specific channels while blocking surrounding areas. This creates well-defined light paths that prevent halo effects while maintaining illumination.
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 maintains high-definition point lights and creates a sparkling effect by varying light intensity as the occupant changes angle, eliminating halos and enhancing the decorative illumination quality.
Implementation Method 1
opaque threads block the direct light emitted by the aforementioned light point through the decorative lining, particularly through the intermediate layer that forms part thereof, creating said areas in shade between the areas of emission of direct light
Implementation Method 2
Due to the contact between the LEDs and the decorative lining, the diffusion effect of the light responsible for halo generation is reduced, and consequently also the loss of intensity of said light
Data Source
AI summary
Illuminated inner trim for vehicles comprising a substrate, a decorative lining, and integrated between these a set of LEDs that can provide a decorative illumination such that when on they are visible through the decorative lining as well-defined points of light, while when off they are unseen. Specifically, when said LEDs are on and the vehicle occupants change their angle of vision with respect to the LEDs, a set of points of light will be seen with variable intensity due to the contrast between areas of direct light and areas of shade, causing a sparkling effect.