Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Light modifier
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-10
2001-04-17
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Light modifier
C362S035000, C362S581000, C362S551000, C362S554000, C362S556000, C362S558000, C362S489000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217201
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The invention relates to distributed lighting systems.
Distributed lighting systems distribute light from one or more light sources in central or strategic locations to one or more remote locations. A distributed lighting system promises several advantages over conventional lighting techniques, including low power consumption, extended life, heat reduction where the light is emitted, and increased design flexibility.
SUMMARY
The invention provides a distributed lighting system (DLS) for use, for example, in an automobile. Issues associated with incorporating a distributed lighting system into an automobile are discussed by Hulse, Lane, and Woodward in “Three Specific Design Issues Associated with Automotive Distributed Lighting Systems: Size, Efficiency and Reliability,” SAE Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 960492, which was presented at the SAE International Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Mich., Feb. 26-29, 1996, and Hulse and Mullican in “Analysis of Waveguide Geometries at Bends and Branches for the Directing of Light,” SAE Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 981189, which are incorporated herein by reference.
In one aspect, generally, an optical waveguide assembly for distributing light within a vehicle door panel includes a light source that outputs light to an optical waveguide. A trunk waveguide that propagates light through internal reflection has output branches and a trunk input portion connected to the light source. Branch waveguides that propagate light through internal reflection extend from the output branches of the trunk waveguide to lighting outputs of the vehicle door panel. Support arms extend between the branch waveguides and support the branch waveguides within the vehicle door panel.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The waveguides and support arms may be formed from a single piece of solid material. The solid material may be injection molded plastic.
The optical waveguide assembly may include a compact illuminator as the light source. The compact illuminator may include a housing having reflective interior surfaces, a bulb positioned within the housing, and an optical waveguide output port that holds an optical waveguide in position to receive light from the bulb.
The compact illuminator may include a housing having open ends configured to receive waveguides and a reflector positioned within the housing. The reflector may include open end portions, a central portion between the end portions, a light source positioned within the central portion, and side walls extending between the end portions and at least partially enclosing the central portion. The side walls may protrude inward toward the light source.
The optical waveguide assembly may have lighting output elements positioned at the ends of the branch waveguides. The lighting output element may be an optical waveguide output element. The waveguide output element may have an input face and a transmission portion extending from the input face. The transmission portion may widen at an end to form a conical end portion having a convex lens at an end of the conical end portion.
The lighting output element may be a waveguide bend. The waveguide bend may have a bend ratio that is less than 3:1 or less than 1:1.
In another aspect, an optical waveguide assembly for distributing light within a vehicle door panel includes a light source. A cylindrical sleeve accommodates and receives light from the light source. The sleeve has a central axis. A waveguide collar is formed from a solid, planar block of material having a central portion to accommodate and surround the sleeve. The waveguide collar has output branches extending in a plane away from the central portion. The plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis. The optical waveguide assembly further includes branch waveguides that propagate light through internal reflection. The branch waveguides extend from the output branches of the waveguide collar to lighting outputs of the vehicle door panel. Support arms extend between the branch waveguides and support the branch waveguides within the vehicle door panel.
In another aspect, an optical waveguide assembly for distributing light within a vehicle door panel includes a hub portion connected to receive light from a light source. The hub portion has outputs. Waveguides that propagate light through internal reflection extend from the outputs of the hub to lighting outputs of the vehicle door panel. Support arms extend between the waveguides and support the waveguides within the vehicle door panel.
Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, including the drawings, and from the claims.
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Hulse et al., “Analysis of Waveguide Geometries at Bends and Branches for the Directing of Light”, Paper No. 98?????, pp. 1-6.
Hulse, “Focus-less Optics and Their Use in Automotive Distributed Lighting Systems”, SAE Technical Paper Series 970252, SAE International, International Congress & Exposition, Detroit, Michigan, Feb. 24-27, 1997, pp. 1-5.
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Cooper Automotive Products, Inc.
Negron Ismeal
Reising Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, Learman & McCulloch, P.C.
Sember Thomas M.
LandOfFree
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