Vehicle Lighting Unit Gap Illumination via Intermediary Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle lighting units with multiple light guide bodies arranged in proximity suffer from unlit gaps between them, leading to a deteriorated appearance due to skipped light emission.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes at least two long light guide bodies with overlapping first end portions and light transmitting lenses, where the lenses' surface-processed front surfaces direct light to cover and illuminate the gap between the guide bodies, ensuring continuous light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If multiple light guide bodies are arranged in proximity to each other, then the light-emitting portion can achieve certain length or complex shape, but the gap portion between adjacent light guide bodies cannot be illuminated, resulting in deteriorated appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide member is introduced as an intermediary component disposed between adjacent light guide bodies. This light guide member receives light from the light source and guides it to illuminate the gap portion between the light guide bodies, thereby solving the problem of unilluminated gaps while maintaining the ability to achieve desired length and shape
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent light guide bodies that can be separately controlled for light emission. This segmentation allows each light guide body to be optimized independently while the light guide member connects them visually by illuminating the gap portions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light guide bodies are arranged in proximity to each other, then the light-emitting portion can achieve certain length or complex shape, but the light emission state is observed in a skipped fashion rather than integrated, resulting in deteriorated appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member acts as a visual connector between segmented light guide bodies, guiding light to fill the gap portions and creating the perception of continuous, integrated light emission. This allows the system to maintain complex shapes with multiple segments while achieving an integrated appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide member merges the visual appearance of multiple light guide bodies by illuminating the gap portions, creating a unified light-emitting structure that appears as a single integrated component rather than separate segments
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 configuration ensures that the gap between adjacent light guide bodies is illuminated, providing a seamless and improved appearance of continuous light emission.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated light guide body through which light can be guided for emission
Implementation Method 2
the first end portions of the at least two light transmitting lenses each have a surface processed portion on its front surface, the surface processed portions configured to direct light exiting through the respective first end portions of the at least two light guide bodies forward
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting unit can include LEDs and at least two long light guide bodies arranged adjacent to each other. At least two light transmitting lenses can be disposed in front of the at least two light guide bodies. The at least two light guide bodies each can include a gap portion interposed therebetween. A first end portion of the light transmitting lens can be positioned at the gap portion so that the first end portions of the light transmitting lenses overlap with each other in a front-rear direction. The first end portions of the at least two light transmitting lenses can have a surface processed portion on its front surface. The surface processed portions can be configured to direct light exiting through the respective first end portions of the at least two light guide bodies forward.