Vehicle Interior Light Guide Layout for Multi-Effect Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior lighting solutions require multiple light sources and complex designs to achieve various lighting types, leading to increased production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a support part, first and second light guides, a diffuser, and a cover part, where light from a single source is distributed through the first light guide to the diffuser and second light guide, creating a cavity with gaps for multiple lighting effects, including backlit trim, light lines, and indirect lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs and complex control systems are used to achieve ambient lighting with design patterns, then illumination quality and aesthetic appeal are improved, but production costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting functions (ambient lighting, decorative patterns, light lines, indirect lighting) into a single integrated light guide structure. Instead of using separate LEDs for each function, one light source illuminates the entire light guide which then distributes light through different paths and structures to achieve multiple lighting effects simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves multiple functions: it acts as both the illumination source and the decorative element, provides both direct and indirect lighting, and creates multiple lighting zones from a single light input. The single light guide structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized lighting components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide different lighting types (ambient, decorative, indirect lighting), then lighting versatility is improved, but production costs and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into different functional zones and paths within its structure. Some portions of the light guide create direct illumination, while other portions channel light for indirect lighting or form decorative light lines. This segmentation of the single light guide into multiple functional pathways enables versatile lighting without requiring multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional light distribution within the light guide structure. Light enters at one end and is distributed through vertical, horizontal, and diagonal paths within the light guide body, creating multiple lighting planes and zones from a single linear light source, thereby achieving versatility through spatial dimensionality.
3Illumination intensity
If a large number of LEDs are used to compensate for low light transmission of IMD film, then illumination intensity is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as an intermediary between the single light source and the IMD film. It collects and distributes light uniformly across the entire surface area, ensuring that even portions of the IMD film with lower light transmission receive adequate illumination. This intermediary light distribution mechanism eliminates the need for multiple high-power LEDs.
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 solution allows for cost-effective, visually appealing interior lighting with a simple design, combining multiple lighting types using a single light source, reducing the need for specialized circuit boards and software.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide (2), having an elongated shape and at least one entry surface for light entry, the light source (6) being directed towards the at least one entry surface of the first light guide (2)
Implementation Method 2
a second light guide (3), arranged along the first light guide (2), having a flat shape comprising a rear side (3b) facing the support part (1) and a front side (3a) facing the cover part (5)
Implementation Method 3
a diffuser (4), with at least part of the diffuser (4) arranged between the first and second light guides (2, 3)
Implementation Method 4
At least a portion of the cover (5) is translucent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device for illuminating the vehicle interior, comprising a carrier part (1), a first light guide (2), a second light guide (3), a diffuser (4), a cover part (5), and at least one light source (6), wherein the first light guide (2) has an elongated shape. A defined cavity is located between the cover part (5) and the carrier part (1), in which the first light guide (2), the second light guide (3), and the diffuser (4) are arranged. The second light guide (3) is arranged along the first light guide (2) and has a flat shape, comprising a rear side facing the carrier part (1) and a front side facing the cover part (5). At least a portion of the cover part (5) is transparent, and a coupling structure (7) for coupling the light out of the second light guide (3) is arranged on the rear side of the second light guide (3).The cavity between the cover part (5) and the support part (1) includes a first gap (8) which extends along the cover part (5) into the vehicle interior and in which at least a part of the diffuser (4) is arranged.