Vehicle Access-Port Lighting with Prism Light Guide Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices for vehicle fuel tank access ports are difficult to produce and install due to the complex form of the light guide.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device for a vehicle comprising a circuit board, wherein the circuit board comprises first and second lighting elements on a first and second lighting elements, which are guided by a prism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a complex light guide with inclined surfaces is used to guide light, then the lighting function is achieved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases and production cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight guidance functionVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the circuit board into multiple sections (first section with first lighting elements, second section with second lighting elements) and uses separate light guide elements for each section. This segmentation allows each light guide element to have a simpler, more standardized structure that is easier to manufacture, while still achieving the overall light guidance function across the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex continuous light guide with inclined surfaces as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by using discrete light guide elements with prisms positioned at specific locations on the circuit board. The prisms redirect light from multiple LED sections, achieving efficient light guidance through a simpler, modular structure that is easier to produce.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Illumination intensity

If a complex light guide structure is used, then light can be guided effectively, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight guidance functionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is segmented into modular components: circuit board with LED sections, separate light guide elements with prisms, and housing. This modular segmentation simplifies installation by allowing each component to be independently positioned and assembled, reducing installation complexity compared to a monolithic complex light guide structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the light guide from complex inclined surfaces to simple prismatic shapes with specific geometric parameters (prism angle, position, size). These parameterized designs allow for easier fabrication and installation while maintaining effective light guidance functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting elements are placed on the circuit board, then lighting functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionalityVSAvoidcircuit board complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board is segmented into distinct first and second sections, each with their own lighting elements and light guide elements. This segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable modules, making the overall device easier to design, manufacture, and maintain while providing enhanced lighting functionality through the combination of multiple LED types and colors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide elements with prisms serve multiple functions: they guide light from different LED sections, redirect light at appropriate angles, and can accommodate different prism configurations for different lighting requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 prism-based design for the circuit board, wherein the prism comprises a prism-based prism.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light guide element for redirecting light from the first lighting elements, wherein the first and second section are spaced apart from another, characterized in that the said at least one light guide element is provided in the form of a prism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction and reflection: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4674688A1Lighting device for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 RÖCHLING AUTOMOTIVE SE
  • EP4674688A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4674688A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4674688A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a vehicle, comprising a circuit board (2), wherein the circuit board (2) comprises first lighting elements (5a-5d) on a first section (4) of the circuit board (2), second lighting elements (7a-7c) on a second section (6) of the circuit board (2), and at least one light guide element (8) for redirecting light from the first lighting elements (5a-5d), wherein the first and second section (4, 6) are spaced apart from another, wherein the said at least one light guide element (8) is provided in the form of a prism.