Motor Vehicle Light Guide Graphic Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lights, such as taillights, face challenges in design requirements that demand complex three-dimensional structures, leading to increased construction space and production costs, and they often have different optical effects when switched on and off, making it difficult to maintain a consistent appearance in both states.
Innovation Solution
A flat light guide with decoupling structures on the front side and a graphic with varying reflectivity on the rear side, allowing for a consistent optical effect by using the graphic's reflection when unlit and light coupling when lit, with adjustable light sources to match the graphic's appearance in both states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If complex three-dimensional structures are used to achieve desired optical effects, then the optical effect in switched-on state is improved, but the construction space and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-dimensional graphic applied to the rear side of a flat light guide as a copy or representation of a three-dimensional structure. This graphic contains all necessary optical information (reflectivity variations, color variations) to create the desired optical effect when illuminated, eliminating the need for actual three-dimensional construction while maintaining the visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional structures to two-dimensional graphics by applying reflective and color properties to a flat surface. The graphic on the rear side of the light guide uses variations in reflectivity and color in different regions to create optical effects that would traditionally require three-dimensional shaping, thereby reducing construction depth while maintaining visual impact.
2Illumination intensity
If complex three-dimensional structures are used, then the optical effect is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing complex three-dimensional structures, the patent applies a two-dimensional graphic containing optical information (reflectivity and color variations) to the rear side of a simple flat light guide. This graphic serves as a blueprint that reproduces the desired optical effect through variations in material properties rather than structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (reflectivity and color) of the graphic material in different regions to create the desired optical effect. By varying these parameters across the two-dimensional surface, the patent achieves effects that would traditionally require complex three-dimensional structural variations, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional light guides are used, then light output is achieved, but the optical effect differs between switched-on and switched-off states
Solution Approach 1:
The graphic on the rear side of the light guide serves multiple functions: it creates the desired optical effect when the light is switched on (warm design) and simultaneously provides the correct visual appearance when the light is switched off (cold design). This single element replaces what would traditionally require separate structures for each state, achieving consistency across both conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in reflectivity and color parameters in the graphic to ensure that the optical appearance remains consistent between switched-on and switched-off states. The specific combination of reflective and absorbing regions, along with color variations, ensures that the light guide displays the correct visual information in both conditions.
4Illumination intensity
If reflective films are applied to the rear side, then light output is improved, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying uniform reflective film across the entire rear side, the patent applies the reflective graphic only in specific regions where it is needed to create the desired optical effect. Different regions have different reflectivity properties tailored to their specific function, avoiding unnecessary complexity in areas where simple light transmission is sufficient.
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 enables a consistent optical impression in both warm and cold designs, reducing construction depth and costs while enhancing recognition value and safety through identical day and night appearances, supporting vehicle design and traffic regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a graphic (3) with varying reflectivity is applied to the rear side (5)
Implementation Method 2
Decoupling structures (8) for the light are provided on the front side (4) and also partially on the rear side (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A light for a motor vehicle includes a flat light guide with decoupling structures for light on the front side, as well as at least one light source for coupling light into the flat light guide. A graphic is arranged on the rear side of the light guide, the graphic being constructed from regions with different degrees of reflectivity and/or colors. The decoupling structures and the graphic have the same graphical pattern and are oriented in relation to one another. The at least one light source couples the light into the flat light guide on the end face.