Vehicle Lighting Tube Assembly That Hides LEDs When Unlit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting display devices using LED light sources compromise the exterior design when not in use, as the LED elements and printed boards can be visible through the lens, detracting from the vehicle's appearance.
Innovation Solution
A lighting display device featuring a tube assembly wall with hexagonal tubes arranged in a zigzag pattern, Y-shaped connection walls, and inner walls to conceal the light sources when not in use, maintaining a grille-like appearance and enhancing strength, while allowing controlled lighting for information display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If LED light emitting elements and printed board are disposed inside a lens opening in the rear panel, then lighting display of characters and figures can be performed, but the LED elements and printed board become visible through the lens when not lit, deteriorating the exterior appearance design
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are nested inside the tubes which are arranged within the tube assembly wall. The tubes act as containers that hide the light sources when not in use, while still allowing light to pass through when the sources are activated. This nesting structure resolves the contradiction by providing both the lighting display function and maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubes serve as an intermediary element between the light sources and the external environment. They conceal the light sources and printed board from view when not lit, while transmitting light when activated. This intermediary structure enables the system to maintain good exterior appearance design while still providing lighting display functionality.
2Shape
If light sources are disposed inside tubes with surrounding walls, then exterior appearance design is maintained when not lit, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into the tube assembly wall structure. The tubes, surrounding walls, Y-shaped connection walls, and light source mounting positions are integrated into a single unified structure. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the aesthetic appearance design benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube assembly wall structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, conceals light sources for aesthetic appearance, transmits light when activated, and organizes the arrangement of multiple light sources. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Strength
If Y-shaped connection walls are added to connect tubes, then structural strength is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Y-shaped connection walls are integrated directly into the tube assembly wall structure during manufacturing. Rather than being separate components requiring assembly, they are formed as part of the overall structure, which enhances strength while minimizing manufacturing complexity through a unified production process.
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 effective lighting display of characters and figures without compromising the vehicle's exterior design, enhancing both aesthetics and structural integrity, and preventing daytime visibility issues due to outdoor light.
Implementation Method 1
Light of the lit light sources is emitted to the outside of the vehicle through the tubes in the tube assembly wall
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting display device for a vehicle includes a tube assembly wall, a plurality of light sources, and a lighting controller. In the tube assembly wall, a plurality of tubes directed in a lighting display direction at the front or rear of a vehicle are arrayed in a vertical direction and a vehicle width direction. The light sources are disposed facing the inside of at least some tubes in the tube assembly wall. The lighting controller controls lighting of the light sources such that information such as figures and characters is displayed.