Vehicle Luminous Device Convex Protuberance Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminous devices for vehicles, such as headlights and signaling devices, that use optical fibers are complex to assemble, expensive due to the use of costly materials and laser diodes, and inefficient in terms of optical efficiency, leading to increased energy consumption and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A luminous device with an illuminated element featuring a rounded convex protuberance on its outer surface, illuminated by a conventional light source, which mimics the appearance of optical fibers but is simpler and less expensive to produce, using injection molding and conventional light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical fibers are used to create illuminated shapes, then the appearance of the luminous device is satisfactory, but the assembly becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an illuminated zone that copies the appearance of optical fibers by using a transparent or translucent material with a specific rounded shape (convex protuberance) on its outer surface. This molded shape mimics the visual effect of optical fibers without actually using optical fiber materials, thereby achieving the desired appearance while simplifying assembly and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the illuminated element by molding it with a specific convex protuberance shape and using conventional light sources instead of laser diodes. This parameter change transforms the system from one requiring precise optical fiber positioning to one where the illuminated zone's shape itself creates the desired visual effect, significantly reducing assembly complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If optical fibers and laser diodes are used, then the illuminated shapes are achieved, but the cost of materials and production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optical fibers and laser diodes with conventional light sources (such as LEDs or incandescent bulbs) and a molded illuminated zone made from inexpensive transparent or translucent plastic. This substitution dramatically reduces material costs while maintaining the visual effect of illuminated shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using actual optical fibers which are expensive to manufacture and install, the patent creates a molded illuminated zone that copies their visual appearance. The convex protuberance shape on the outer surface of the transparent material mimics the look of optical fibers, achieving the same aesthetic effect at a fraction of the cost.
3Illumination intensity
If optical fibers are used, then the illuminated paths are formed, but the optical efficiency is not optimal requiring increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light transmission function from complex optical fiber systems and concentrates it into a single molded illuminated zone with a convex protuberance. This simplification reduces optical losses and improves efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple fiber connections and alignments, thereby reducing energy consumption.
4Illumination intensity
If laser diodes are used to illuminate optical fibers, then the illuminated shapes are achieved, but safety precautions are required protecting people from laser radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hazardous laser diodes with conventional light sources that do not emit dangerous radiation. Standard LEDs or incandescent bulbs are used instead, eliminating the need for special safety precautions while maintaining the illuminated shape 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 solution provides a cost-effective and efficient luminous device with a satisfactory appearance, simplified assembly, and improved safety by eliminating the need for laser diodes and optical fibers, while maintaining optimal optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the illuminated zone extending along a path substantially perpendicular to a direction of thickness from the inner surface to the outer surface... the light traveling through the illuminated zone from the inner surface to the convex protuberance of the illuminated zone
Implementation Method 2
at least one opaque zone adjacent to the illuminated zone and arranged to prevent the passage of light from the inner surface to the outer surface
Implementation Method 3
a lighting device arranged to light the illuminated zone along the entire path of said illuminated zone, said lighting device extending on the side of the inner surface of the illuminated element and being arranged to emit light into the illuminated zone
Data Source
AI summary
A luminous device that includes: an illuminated element having an illuminated zone and an opaque zone adjacent the illuminated zone; and a lighting device arranged to illuminate the illuminated zone extending on the side of the inner surface of the illuminated element. The outer surface of the illuminated zone has a rounded shape forming a convex protuberance on the outer surface of the illuminated element, the lighting device emitting light toward the illuminated element, the light traveling through the illuminated zone of the inner surface to the convex protuberance of the illuminated zone.