Vehicle Light Retroreflector With Integrated Luminous Logo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle lights face challenges in reconciling aesthetic considerations with regulatory obligations and limited space, particularly in integrating a distinctive design and logo while maintaining retroreflective performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle light design that incorporates a retroreflective area with distributed transparent areas and retroreflective ridges, allowing both retroreflection and display of a luminous pattern, such as a logo, within a single housing by using an optical plate with a through-opening and transparent areas to project a logo-like pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retroreflective area is entirely covered with retroreflective surfaces, then retroreflection performance is maximized, but the ability to display luminous patterns (such as logos) is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective area is segmented into multiple discrete retroreflective elements (ridges) distributed across the surface, with spaces between them. This segmentation allows both retroreflection functionality and luminous pattern display to coexist, as light can pass through the gaps between ridges to form visible patterns while still providing adequate retroreflection from the ridge surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the retroreflective area are given different properties: areas with retroreflective ridges provide retroreflection, while areas with transparent zones allow light transmission for pattern display. This local differentiation of properties enables the single component to fulfill both regulatory retroreflection requirements and aesthetic branding requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If transparent areas are added to display luminous patterns, then aesthetic appeal and logo visibility improve, but overall retroreflection performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire retroreflective area transparent for logo display, only specific portions are made transparent while maintaining retroreflective ridges in other areas. This partial application of transparency achieves sufficient logo visibility while preserving adequate retroreflection performance to meet regulatory standards.
3Reliability
If the space in the light housing is fully utilized for retroreflective surfaces, then retroreflection is optimized, but space for aesthetic features and logo display is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective area with distributed ridges and transparent zones serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides retroreflection for safety compliance, displays luminous patterns for brand identification, and maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, optimizing space utilization within the housing.
4Reliability
If the retroreflective area is made triangular to meet regulatory requirements, then compliance is achieved, but design flexibility and logo integration are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
Within the triangular retroreflective area required by regulations, the design applies local quality variations by distributing retroreflective ridges and transparent zones throughout the shape. This allows the overall triangular form to meet regulatory compliance while the internal pattern distribution provides design flexibility for logo integration and aesthetic customization.
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 design achieves both regulatory compliance through sufficient retroreflection and clear visibility of a luminous pattern, optimizing space utilization and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflective area which includes: a plurality of retroreflective ridges projecting from the inner face of the hood towards the inside of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of transparent areas, devoid of retroreflective ridges and configured to allow the light emitted by the light source(s) of the first assembly to pass through the opening, towards the front and towards the outside of the housing
Implementation Method 3
an optical plate located at the front of the electronic board, configured to guide and/or diffuse the light emitted by the light sources
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~9
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The light (1) comprises a housing containing a plurality of light sources mounted on an electronic circuit board and an optical plate having an opaque area with a through-hole located opposite a first set of light sources. The housing cover (10) has, opposite the opaque area, a retroreflective area (15) which comprises, distributed over substantially the entire surface of the retroreflective area: - retroreflective ridges projecting inwards towards the housing; - transparent areas (45), without retroreflective ridges, which allow the light emitted by the light sources of the first set to pass through the opening, forwards and outwards from the housing. The transparent areas are provided between at least some of the retroreflective ridges and allow the display of a luminous pattern (50).