Vehicle Window Symbol Illumination via Light Scattering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying the status of a motor vehicle, such as locked or unlocked, via mechanical door knobs or light-emitting diodes are often difficult to see, especially in low light conditions, and lack effective visual indicators on vehicle windows.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a lighting device with one or more light sources, integrated into the interior of a motor vehicle, to create a symbol on the vehicle window with a light-scattering structure, allowing light to be scattered and visible from both inside and outside the vehicle, replacing the mechanical door knob indicator with a visually recognizable illumination of the symbol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If light sources are arranged at the edge of the pane to display information, then optical information can be displayed on the vehicle window, but the structure becomes more complex and the light sources are difficult to see in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and the diffusing element into a single integrated component. The light source is positioned behind a diffusing element that is part of the window structure itself, eliminating the need for separate edge-mounted light sources and complex mounting structures. This integration simplifies the overall device while maintaining effective information display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from edge-based lighting (one-dimensional arrangement along the pane edge) to area-based lighting (two-dimensional distribution across the window surface). By placing the light source behind a diffusing element that spreads light across a larger area of the window, the system achieves better visibility without requiring complex edge-mounted arrangements.
2Illumination intensity
If mechanical door knobs are used to indicate locked/unlocked status, then the structure is simple, but the indicator is not visible in the dark
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical door knob indicator system with an optical display system. Instead of relying on the position or appearance of a mechanical knob, the system uses light sources positioned behind diffusing elements to create visible symbols or patterns on the window surface, providing clear visual feedback in all lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffusing element as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment. This diffusing element transforms the point-source light into a distributed illumination pattern that forms visible symbols on the window, enabling effective communication of vehicle status without requiring direct line-of-sight to small light sources.
3Loss of information
If small point-like light-emitting diodes are used in the vehicle interior, then the structure is simple, but the visual indicator is difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent expands the effective display area by transitioning from point-like light sources to area-based illumination. The light sources are positioned behind diffusing elements that spread the light across a larger portion of the window surface, transforming concentrated light into distributed illumination that covers more area and is therefore more visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the diffusing element to modify the appearance and distribution of light, potentially incorporating color-coding to indicate different vehicle states. The diffusing element can be designed with specific optical properties to enhance visibility and provide intuitive visual feedback through color or pattern variations.
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 device provides clear and recognizable visual information about the vehicle's status, improving visibility in various lighting conditions and eliminating the need for a mechanical linkage, while allowing for customizable color and symbol representations.
Implementation Method 1
A symbol is formed on the window of the motor vehicle (ie on or possibly in the window) which has a structure for light scattering at least into the interior of the motor vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for outputting visual information in a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting device (1) which is provided for arrangement in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and has one or more light sources (5) for generating light (L) and a disc (3) which bounds the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and has an inner face (301) directed towards the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and an outer face (302) directed towards the outside of the motor vehicle. A symbol (9), which has a structure for scattering light at least into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, is formed on the disc (3), wherein the lighting device (1) and the symbol (9) are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that the light (L) of the lighting device (1) is incident on the symbol (9) during the operation of said lighting device (1), said light at least partially originating from the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and passing via the inner face (301) of the disc (3), which symbol (9) lights up owing to the scattering of light on its structure.