Vehicle Signalling Light With Segmented Rear Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal lights for vehicles with flat light guides face challenges in achieving simple and cost-effective production of homogeneous light emission while maintaining design aesthetics when the light is not in operation.
Innovation Solution
The use of decoupling elements on the rear side of the flat light guide, arranged in blocks with increasing size or density from the light coupling surface, ensures homogeneous light emission and provides a recognizable design character when the light is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflective elements are printed as a dot pattern on the rear side of the light guide, then homogeneous light emission is achieved, but the design appearance when the light is not in operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rear side of the light guide is segmented into multiple blocks, with each block containing reflective elements arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: some blocks prioritize light scattering for homogeneity, while others incorporate design elements visible when the light is off
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the rear side are assigned different qualities and functions. The reflective elements are not uniformly distributed but are strategically placed in specific blocks and patterns according to local requirements - some areas focus on light scattering while others emphasize aesthetic design visibility
2Shape
If the front side of the light guide is shaped to determine the signal light appearance, then design specifications are met, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design function is extracted from the front side of the light guide and transferred to the rear side through strategically placed reflective elements. The front side can then be kept simple and flat for ease of manufacturing, while the rear side carries both the optical function (light scattering) and the design function (aesthetic appearance when light is off)
Solution Approach 2:
The design elements are moved from the front surface (one dimension) to the rear surface (another dimension). This allows the front side to remain simple for manufacturing while the rear side provides both optical functionality and aesthetic design through the arrangement of reflective elements
3Illumination intensity
If decoupling elements are added to the rear side to improve light distribution, then homogeneous light emission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling elements are merged with the light guide structure itself rather than being separate components. The reflective elements are integrated into the rear side of the light guide, combining the light scattering function with the structural design in a single integrated component, thus avoiding additional device complexity
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 approach allows for both technical lighting requirements and design specifications to be met, with decoupling elements enhancing light distribution and providing a stylistic appearance, achieving homogeneous light emission and maintaining design integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A rear side of the light guide which is remote from the front side has reflective elements which are printed as a dot pattern
Implementation Method 2
The decoupling elements have such a shape and/or contour that, on the one hand, they enable a predetermined luminance distribution of the signal light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The light has a two dimensional optical fiber that includes a light emitting surface at a narrow side. Multiple reflective units are designed as uncoupling units (6) with such a form and/or contour. The uncoupling units are recognized as a given sample at a distance to the light conductor in a non operating condition of the signal light, and as a homogenous illuminated surface in an operating condition of the signal light.