Vehicle Interior Lighting Assembly with Diffusing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular interior lighting systems face challenges in using LED sources due to their directional light output, which results in high contrast and shadowing, and the need for supplemental natural lighting solutions like sun roofs and moon roofs, which increase costs and reduce interior space.
Innovation Solution
An LED-based interior lighting assembly with a metallized reflective surface and a light-diffusing element that directs incident light into corresponding edges, utilizing a controller to transmit natural and courtesy light patterns based on environmental and vehicle-related inputs, minimizing packaging constraints and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED sources are used for vehicular interior lighting, then energy efficiency and light intensity are improved, but directional light output causes high contrast and shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple LED sources arranged in a specific pattern, with each source contributing to different regions of the interior space. This segmentation allows the directional nature of individual LEDs to be distributed and balanced across the entire illumination area, reducing localized high contrast and shadowing while maintaining overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the interior space are illuminated with varying LED source configurations and intensities. The system applies local quality by adjusting which LED sources are active and at what intensity levels based on the specific illumination needs of different zones, thereby achieving uniform overall illumination while accounting for the directional characteristics of individual LED sources
2Illumination intensity
If sun roofs or moon roofs are installed to provide natural lighting, then access to natural light is improved, but interior space is reduced due to motors and mechanical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses LED sources configured to simulate natural light patterns, colors, and intensity variations. By copying the spectral and temporal characteristics of natural sunlight through artificial LED sources, the system provides the benefits of natural lighting without requiring physical openings in the vehicle roof, thereby preserving interior space
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical systems required for sun roofs and moon roofs (motors, moving panels, seals) are replaced with a stationary LED-based lighting system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components while achieving the same functional goal of providing natural-like illumination to the vehicle interior
3Illumination intensity
If optics are coupled to LED sources to shape light output, then uniform illumination is improved, but packaging size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the LED sources, diffusing elements, and reflective surfaces into a single unified lighting assembly. By merging these components into one integrated unit rather than separate assemblies, the system achieves uniform illumination through the coordinated interaction of components while minimizing overall packaging size and simplifying installation
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system utilizes the third dimension (vertical spacing and angular distribution) to achieve uniform illumination. By arranging LED sources at specific heights and angles, and using diffusing elements that distribute light in multiple dimensions, the system achieves uniformity without requiring additional horizontal space or complex lateral optical components
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 uniform and aesthetically pleasing natural and courtesy lighting within vehicles, reducing the need for additional space-consuming natural light access points and enhancing lighting aesthetics while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light barrier (20) comprising a metallized reflective surface (24) facing an interior (3)
Implementation Method 2
a light-diffusing element (30) over the reflective surface (24) having first and second opposed edges (36a, 36c) and third and fourth opposed edges (36b, 36d)
Data Source
AI summary
A dome light assembly that includes a reflective surface facing an interior; a light-diffusing element over the reflective surface having a plurality of corresponding opposed edges and LED sources; and a controller for directing the sources to transmit a plurality of light patterns from the element into the interior based at least in part on a plurality of inputs. Further, each source is configured to direct incident light into the corresponding edge. These light patterns include natural light and other light patterns. The inputs include manual inputs, weather inputs, exterior light sensor inputs, temporal inputs and global positioning system inputs.