Vehicle Logo Light Guide Structure for Simpler Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logo lighting devices for vehicles are complex and costly to produce due to their multi-part assembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A logo display device featuring a single-piece transparent plastic screen with embossed, metallized windows and integrated light guides made via molding, simplifying production and assembly, and utilizing a rear cover with a reflecting surface for uniform lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-part assembly with separate casing, metal layer, chrome plating, and lighting device is used, then the lighting function is achieved, but the production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (casing, metal layer, chrome plating, and lighting device) into a single integrated transparent plastic piece with embossed metallized windows. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces the number of parts, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent plastic screen performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural casing, provides the metallized logo areas through embossing, acts as the light guide, and functions as the protective cover. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are assembled together, then the lighting device functions properly, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines what would traditionally be separate components (casing, logo layer, light guide, and cover) into a single molded transparent plastic piece. This merger reduces the number of parts from multiple components to one integrated piece, eliminating assembly costs and reducing the total number of parts, thereby directly addressing the contradiction between production cost and device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single-piece molded structure with integrated light guides is used, then production and assembly are simplified, but uniform lighting distribution must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different areas of the transparent plastic screen: the windows are embossed with metallization to allow light passage, while the surrounding areas remain transparent to block light. The light guides are strategically positioned and shaped to direct light uniformly across the logo areas. This local differentiation of properties enables uniform lighting distribution while maintaining the simplicity of a single-piece molded structure.
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 significantly reduces production costs and simplifies assembly while ensuring uniform and effective lighting of the logo, making it more economical and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide (5) that, in the embodiment, extends along a first straight direction (D1) and is provided with a light source (6) at one end thereof that supplies light at the input of the guide
Implementation Method 2
The second light guide 7 shaped like a flat wall is configured to output light radiation R that extends parallel to a main direction D3 and is directed towards the screen 2
Implementation Method 3
a rear cover (9) with a reflecting surface (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
A logo lighting device (1) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, including: a light-proof front screen portion (2) provided with at least one integral window (3) that light can pass through and that has boundaries reproducing a logo; a central illuminating device (4) adapted to illuminate the integral window (3); the central illuminating device (4) including a first light guide (5) that extends along a first direction (D1) and is provided with a light source (6) at one end thereof, the first light guide (5) being adapted to output rays that extend along a second direction (D2) which is transversal to the first direction (D1); the central illuminating device (4) including a second light guide (7) having a reduced thickness with respect to its extension and having a side (8) which is arranged facing the first light guide (5) and which is configured to receive at least a part of the output rays at the first guide (4) along the second direction (D2); the second light guide (7) is configured to output light radiation that extends parallel to a third main direction and that is directed towards the integral window (3) .