Vehicle Window Optical Path Translator for Cabin Light Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal vehicle lights often cause driver distraction due to light leakage into the cabin, aerodynamic drag, and visibility issues, as they are not effectively sealed against the windshield and can be conspicuous externally.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a light assembly attached to the vehicle window using an adhesive attachment and an optical path translator made of low durometer silicone, which directs light away from the cabin and minimizes signal attenuation, and includes a cover with thermal relief vents to prevent light entry and enhance concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If internal lights are spaced apart from the glass of the vehicle, then installation is simplified, but light leakage into the cabin increases causing driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
An optical path translator made of silicone material is introduced as an intermediary between the internal light and the vehicle glass. This translator optically couples the light to the glass, allowing the light to be directed through the glass to the exterior while preventing light leakage into the cabin, thus resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and light leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index parameter is utilized by selecting silicone material with appropriate optical properties. The optical path translator changes the optical parameters (refractive index matching) to control light propagation, enabling light to pass through the glass to the exterior while blocking leakage into the cabin interior
2Object-affected harmful factors
If internal lights are positioned close to the glass, then light leakage is reduced, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path translator serves as a mediator that allows the light assembly to be positioned at an optimal distance from the glass. It transmits light effectively through the glass to the exterior while preventing cabin leakage, eliminating the need to position the light extremely close to the glass and thus reducing aerodynamic drag
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lighting materials are used, then manufacturing is easier, but light output efficiency decreases due to reflection and refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The optical properties (refractive index) of the materials are carefully selected and matched. The optical path translator uses silicone material with specific optical parameters that minimize reflection and refraction losses, improving light output efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
A composite optical system is created using silicone material for the optical path translator in combination with the vehicle glass. This composite structure optimizes light transmission properties, reducing energy loss through reflection and refraction at material interfaces
4Force
If internal lights are used instead of external lights, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but visibility from exterior decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path translator acts as an efficient light transmission mediator that couples the internal light source to the vehicle glass. It directs light through the glass to the exterior with high efficiency, maintaining strong exterior visibility while keeping the light assembly inside the vehicle to reduce aerodynamic drag
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 system reduces driver distraction, minimizes light leakage, and provides a more aerodynamic and concealed lighting solution while maintaining effective visibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
optical path translator made of low durometer silicone, which directs light away from the cabin and minimizes signal attenuation
Implementation Method 2
light assembly attached to the vehicle window using an adhesive attachment
Implementation Method 3
cover with thermal relief vents to prevent light entry and enhance concealment
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for specialty lighting, which may be attached to a motor vehicle with a window (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.) that is light transmissive. The lighting system may include one or more light assemblies attached to the window in an interior of the vehicle. The lighting system may include an optical path translator to direct the light emitted out the window of the vehicle and limit the amount of light reflected into the cabin of the vehicle. The lighting system may provide concealed electrical connections for power, signal, and data, as well as concealment for one or more additional aspects of the lighting system.