Vehicle Light Strip Using Infinity Mirrors for 3D Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior lighting systems using LEDs create flat and even light, requiring additional installation space, weight, and are costly to achieve a 3D effect.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device utilizing an 'infinity mirror' concept with a first opaque and a second partially transparent reflection element, creating an intermediate space where light is reflected to produce a depth effect without actual holes, allowing for a lightweight and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED lighting is used directly or indirectly to illuminate vehicle interior surfaces, then the lighting function is achieved, but the light appears flat and even without depth effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mirror to create a virtual copy of the light source, generating multiple reflected images that simulate depth. The mirror reflects the LED light to create the illusion of light extending into space, achieving a 3D depth effect without adding physical depth to the lighting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror element that adds a new dimensional aspect to the lighting system. By incorporating reflections from multiple angles (front, side, rear reflections), the system transforms 2D surface lighting into a perception of 3D spatial lighting, creating depth without physical volume.
2Illumination intensity
If a display device with mirrors is used to create depth effect, then a 3D effect is achieved, but the device takes up additional installation space and becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function and the depth-effect creation function into a single integrated system. The mirror is incorporated directly into the lighting device structure, combining the reflective element with the light source mounting, thereby eliminating the need for separate display devices and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential depth-creating element (the mirror) from complex display device architectures. By using a simple mirror integrated into the lighting housing rather than a full display system with multiple mirrors and electronics, the solution achieves depth effect with minimal weight.
3Illumination intensity
If a display device with mirrors is used to create depth effect, then a 3D effect is achieved, but the device becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive display device components with a simple, inexpensive mirror and basic LED lighting elements. The solution uses affordable materials and straightforward assembly methods, making the depth-effect lighting device cost-effective to manufacture while maintaining visual impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential mirror component needed for depth effect, eliminating expensive electronics, complex control systems, and additional optical elements found in full display devices. This minimalistic approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while preserving the 3D visual effect.
4Illumination intensity
If cutouts are made in the cladding to create real holes for lighting, then depth effect is achieved, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of a hole or depth space using mirror reflections, without physically removing material. The mirror generates the illusion of light traveling through a hole or cavity, achieving the aesthetic depth effect while leaving the cladding structure intact and strong.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical dimensionality created by mirror reflections to simulate physical depth. Instead of creating actual 3D holes in the cladding, the system uses 2D reflective surfaces to generate the perception of depth, maintaining structural integrity while achieving visual depth effect.
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 system achieves a depth effect with reduced weight and cost, providing design flexibility and highlighting adjacent surfaces without needing additional space or displays.
Implementation Method 1
a first flat reflection element (16) which is arranged in a first reflection plane of the lighting device (12)... a second flat reflection element (18) which is arranged in a second reflection plane of the lighting device (12) and is spaced from the first reflection element (16)... the part which shapes a strip of emitted light and which forms the light strip in the activated state is a region in which both reflection elements overlap at a distance
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle with a lighting device arranged on the motor vehicle. The lighting device has two flat reflection elements which are aligned with one another in such a way that their reflecting surfaces face one another and form an intermediate space. The first reflection element is arranged in a first reflection plane of the lighting device, and the second reflection element is arranged in a second reflection plane and is spaced from the first reflection element. The second reflection element is partially transparent. The first reflection element is arranged on the motor vehicle, and the lighting device has at least one lighting element which is arranged in the intermediate space in such a way that, when switched on, it emits light onto at least one of the two reflection elements. The lighting device forms a light strip.