Vehicle Window Pane Light-Coupling Layer for Larger Illuminated Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle window panes with light-conducting layers have limited illuminated areas due to the small dimensions of the light-conducting layer and inefficient light coupling.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle window pane design where light from a light source is coupled into a light-conducting layer across a large surface using an input coupling element on the inner side of the window pane body, optimizing the dimensions of the light-conducting layer and directing light at defined angles for improved luminance and homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the light-conducting layer has smaller dimensions than the window pane body, then light can be coupled in via the edge of the light-conducting layer, but the illuminated area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from edge-based light coupling (1D/2D interface) to surface-based light coupling (2D interface). The input coupling element is disposed on the inner side of the window pane body assembly, enabling light to enter the light-conducting layer across a large surface area rather than through a limited edge perimeter. This dimensional change from edge to surface coupling directly increases the illuminated area while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The input coupling element acts as an intermediary component between the light source and the light-conducting layer. This mediator enables efficient light transfer by being disposed on the inner side of the window pane body assembly and coupling light across a large surface into the light-conducting layer, thereby expanding the illuminated area without requiring the light-conducting layer to have smaller dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If light is coupled into the light-conducting layer across a large surface, then the illuminated area increases, but light homogeneity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The input coupling element is disposed on the inner side of the window pane body assembly at a specific location, creating a localized coupling region. This local quality approach allows light to be coupled in across a large surface area through the input coupling element while maintaining controlled light distribution characteristics. The element's specific positioning and optical properties ensure that despite the large coupling surface, the light is distributed uniformly throughout the light-conducting layer.
3Productivity
If the light-conducting layer is optimized in dimensions, then light coupling efficiency improves, but the illuminated area may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the light coupling dimension from edge-based to surface-based through the input coupling element. This allows the light-conducting layer to maintain its full dimensions (matching the window pane body) for maximum illuminated area, while the input coupling element disposed on the inner side enables efficient light coupling across the large surface, achieving both high coupling efficiency and large illuminated area simultaneously.
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 achieves an increased illuminated area with improved luminance and light homogeneity across the surface of the light-conducting layer, enhancing the ambient light function in vehicle interiors.
Implementation Method 1
the input coupling element directs the light emitted by the light source into the light-conducting layer at defined angles, whereby an increased input coupling efficiency is achieved
Implementation Method 2
The light-conducting layer can form the visible surface of the vehicle window pane which is visible from the vehicle interior, the light-conducting layer thus forming a light element of the vehicle window pane, by means of which a vehicle interior may be illuminated
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle window pane having a window pane body assembly having an outer side, which faces a vehicle environment, and an inner side, which faces a vehicle interior, and having a light-conducting layer; and a light source configured to couple its light into the light-conducting layer. An input coupling element coupling light emitted by the light source into the light-conducting layer is disposed on the inner side of the window pane body assembly.