Vehicle Window Assembly with Etched Light Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle windows lack illumination, which can affect both safety and aesthetics, as the transparent glass does not inherently provide light to the interior or exterior surfaces, limiting visibility and visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle window assembly featuring a window panel with etched sections and integrated light sources, where light is directed laterally through the panel to selectively illuminate the etched areas, providing a visually pleasing and safer environment by highlighting the peripheral edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are integrated into the window assembly, then illumination intensity and visibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, window panel, and etched sections into a single integrated window assembly unit. The light source is positioned behind the window panel to illuminate the etched sections from the interior side, merging multiple functional elements (illumination, transparency, structural support) into one unified component system that reduces overall device complexity while achieving effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The window panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the vehicle, maintains transparency for visibility, incorporates etched sections for aesthetic design and light diffusion, and acts as a medium for light transmission from the integrated light source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate illumination devices, reducing device complexity while improving illumination intensity.
2Illumination intensity
If light travels laterally through the window panel, then selective illumination of etched sections is achieved, but light energy distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The etched sections are strategically positioned and designed with specific patterns that optimize light scattering and diffusion. The light source is positioned to target specific etched sections, creating localized illumination zones with enhanced brightness. This local quality approach ensures that light energy is concentrated where needed (etched sections) rather than uniformly distributed, improving illumination intensity at target areas while managing overall energy distribution.
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 enhances safety and aesthetics by selectively illuminating the window panel's etched sections, improving visibility and creating a visually appealing effect without compromising the transparent nature of the glass.
Implementation Method 1
Light from the light source is directed to the portion of the peripheral edge of the window panel. The light travels in a lateral direction through the window panel selectively illuminating the etched section of the window panel.
Implementation Method 2
The first window surface includes an etched section... selectively illuminating the etched section of the window panel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle window assembly includes a vehicle structure, a window panel and a light source. The vehicle structure defines a viewing aperture. The window panel is mounted to the vehicle structure and covers the viewing aperture. The window panel has a peripheral edge surrounding a first window surface and a second window surface opposite the first window surface. The first window surface includes an etched section. The light source is mounted to the vehicle structure adjacent to a portion of the peripheral edge of the window panel such that light from the light source is directed to the portion of the peripheral edge of the window panel. The light travels in a lateral direction through the window panel selectively illuminating the etched section.