US20150345723A1 - Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same - Google Patents
Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150345723A1 US20150345723A1 US14/291,343 US201414291343A US2015345723A1 US 20150345723 A1 US20150345723 A1 US 20150345723A1 US 201414291343 A US201414291343 A US 201414291343A US 2015345723 A1 US2015345723 A1 US 2015345723A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- recess
- flexible lighting
- body panel
- lighting strip
- light
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
- F21S8/02—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters
- F21S8/024—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters intended to be recessed in a wall or like vertical structure, e.g. building facade
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2619—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic built in the vehicle body
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2619—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic built in the vehicle body
- B60Q1/2623—Details of the fastening means
-
- F21S4/008—
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
- F21S45/10—Protection of lighting devices
-
- F21S48/00—
-
- F21S48/31—
Definitions
- the lights currently used by vehicles tend to be incandescent lights or fluorescent lights, which take up a relatively large amount of space for the amount of light produced, and require bulky fixtures to hold them, and lenses to properly focus the light.
- lights on vehicles are currently very obvious and their presence can serve to disrupt the design of the vehicle.
- a light is off (e.g., in the daytime)
- the light is still quite obvious to anyone looking at the vehicle.
- the main panel and the flexible lighting strip may both be the same color.
- the light-emitting elements 120 are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light of a particular wavelength; in other embodiments the light-emitting elements 120 are LEDs that emit light in a particular range of wavelengths; and in still other embodiments the light-emitting elements 120 are LEDs that include lenses to focus, diffuse, or color the light.
- LEDs light-emitting diodes
- the embedded lighting device 130 is formed on an outward-facing side of the body panel 310 .
- the positioning of the embedded lighting device 130 can vary as needed, and in some embodiments a single body panel could potentially have multiple embedded lighting devices 130 .
- the shape and design of the embedded lighting device(s) 130 can vary depending upon the type and shape of light desired. Essentially, an embedded lighting device 130 can be placed wherever it is desirable to have a light in the body panel 310 , and in whatever size or shape is needed for the light.
- the lighting device 830 is thinner in this embodiment then the depth of the recess 420 in the body panel 310 .
- the top surface of the lighting device 830 extends down into the recess 420 by a distance B. this means that the top surface of the lighting device 830 is not in alignment with the surface of the body panel 310 containing the recess 420 .
- the use of the clear coating 470 , 770 , 870 means that the presence of the embedded lighting device 130 , 730 , 830 will be virtually undetectable by touch whether the embedded lighting device 130 is the same thickness as the depth of the recess 420 , whether the embedded lighting device 730 is thicker than the depth of the recess 420 , or whether the embedded lighting device 830 is thinner than the depth of the recess 420 .
- the process begins when a body panel is molded to include a recess on a first side of the body panel, and a through hole in the recess ( 910 ).
- the recess should be the same size and shape as the lighting element (e.g., a flexible lighting strip) that will be placed inside the recess.
- the hole should be located where control and power wires from the lighting element can easily pass through it.
- the body panel may be painted to have a particular color.
- Control and power wires connected to a lighting device are then inserted through the through hole from a first side of the body panel ( 930 ).
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to lighting devices used in vehicles, and more particularly to lighting devices that are formed in the body panels of vehicles.
- Most vehicles, especially motorized vehicles, such as motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, boats, airplanes, etc. employ lights for a variety of purposes. These lights can include headlights, brake lights, running lights, warning lights, identification lights, decorative lights, etc., and these lights can be located at any position on the vehicle, e.g., on the side, on the front, on the back, on the top, or on the bottom.
- Conventionally, when a light is to be provided for a vehicle, a hole is formed in a body portion or a body panel for the vehicle that is the size of the light, or even a little larger. The light and the fixtures to support the light are then pushed through the hole and secured in place to provide the required illumination.
- The lights currently used by vehicles tend to be incandescent lights or fluorescent lights, which take up a relatively large amount of space for the amount of light produced, and require bulky fixtures to hold them, and lenses to properly focus the light. As a result, lights on vehicles are currently very obvious and their presence can serve to disrupt the design of the vehicle. In particular, even when a light is off (e.g., in the daytime), the light is still quite obvious to anyone looking at the vehicle.
- It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a vehicle light that was small and unobtrusive, and that would not be visible to nearby observers when not in use.
- A body panel for use in the body of a vehicle is provided that includes a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel including a recess in the first side, the recess having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, and a hole from a bottom of the recess to the second side; a flexible lighting strip formed in the recess, the flexible lighting strip having the set shape and a thickness within ±10% of the depth of the recess, the flexile lighting device being secured in the recess; a power connector connected to the flexible lighting strip; a control connector connected to a device controller; and a clear coating formed on the first side of the main panel over the main panel and the flexible lighting strip, the clear coating having a smooth top surface.
- The power connector may be connected to a power source; and the control connector may be connected to a device controller configured to control operation of the flexible light strip.
- The flexible lighting strip may be secured in the recess by an adhesive substance. The adhesive substance may be one of a liquid adhesive or double-sided tape.
- The main panel and the flexible lighting strip may both be the same color.
- The clear coating may be made of a urethane material.
- The main body of the flexible lighting element may be made of one of plastic, fiberglass, or metal.
- The flexible lighting strip may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the flexible lighting strip may include a plurality of light-emitting elements configured to emit light from the first surface, and the flexible lighting strip may be formed in the recess such that the second surface is facing a bottom inside surface of the recess.
- The light-emitting elements may be light-emitting diodes.
- A method of manufacturing a body panel for use in the body of a vehicle is provided, including: molding a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel including a recess in the first side, the recess having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, and a hole from a bottom of the recess to the second side; applying a securing mechanism to a bottom inside surface of the recess; passing a first end of a power connector through the hole from the first side to the second side, a second end of the power connector being connected to a flexible lighting strip; passing a first end of a control connector through the hole from the first side to the second side, a second end of the control connector being connected to the flexible lighting strip; inserting the flexible lighting strip in the recess such that the flexible lighting strip is secured in the recess by the securing mechanism; forming a clear coating on the first side of the main panel over the main panel and the flexible lighting strip, such that the clear coating has a smooth top surface, wherein the flexible lighting strip has the set shape, and the flexible lighting strip has a thickness within ±10% of the depth of the recess.
- The method may further include: connecting the first end of the power connector to a power source; and connecting the first end of the control connector to a device controller configured to control operation of the flexible light strip.
- The affixing mechanism may be a liquid adhesive.
- The main panel and the flexible lighting strip may both be the same color.
- The flexible lighting strip may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the flexible lighting strip may include a plurality of light-emitting elements configured to emit light from the first surface, and the flexible lighting strip may be inserted into the recess such that the second surface is facing the bottom inside surface of the recess.
- The light-emitting elements may be light-emitting diodes.
- The clear coating may be made of a urethane material. The deposition of the clear coating may be performed by spray painting.
- The main body of the flexible lighting element may be made of one of plastic, fiberglass, or metal.
- The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate an exemplary embodiment and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the present invention. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
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FIG. 1 is side cross-sectional view of a lighting device system according to disclosed embodiments; -
FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the lighting device system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a body panel that includes an embedded lighting device according to disclosed embodiments; -
FIG. 4 is side cross-sectional view of a body panel with embedded lighting device according to disclosed embodiments; -
FIG. 5 is an overhead view of the body panel with embedded lighting device ofFIG. 4 according to disclosed embodiments; -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are side cross-sectional views showing a manufacturing process of the body panel with embedded lighting device ofFIG. 4 according to first disclosed embodiments; -
FIG. 7 is side cross-sectional view of a body panel with embedded lighting device in which the lighting device is thicker than a recess provided for it according to disclosed embodiments; -
FIG. 8 is side cross-sectional view of a body panel with embedded lighting device in which the lighting device is thinner than a recess provided for it according to disclosed embodiments; and -
FIG. 9 is a flow chart describing the operation of manufacturing a body panel with embedded lighting device according to disclosed embodiments. - The instant disclosure is provided to further explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of performing one or more embodiments of the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the inventive principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
- It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like, if any, are used solely to distinguish one from another entity, item, or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities, items or actions. It is noted that some embodiments may include a plurality of processes or steps, which can be performed in any order, unless expressly and necessarily limited to a particular order; i.e., processes or steps that are not so limited may be performed in any order.
- Furthermore, elements having the same number represent the same element across the various figures, and throughout the disclosure. Their description is not always repeated for each embodiment, but may be inferred from previous descriptions. Elements that have the same number but have the addition of a letter designator indicate distinct embodiments of a more generic element.
- Lighting Device System
-
FIG. 1 is side cross-sectional view of alighting device system 100 according to disclosed embodiments. As show inFIG. 1 , thelighting device system 100 includes abase 110 that has a plurality of light-emittingelements 120 embedded in it. Together, thebase 110 and the plurality of light-emittingelements 120 can be considered to be alighting device 130. Thebase 110 and the light-emitting elements are connected to acontroller 140 via acontrol line 145, and are connected to apower supply 150 via apower line 155. - The
base 110 can include an opaque substrate in a bottom portion that is made, at least in part, of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polyester, a polymer, an oxide-coated polymer, a flexible plastic, a metal-coated flexible plastic, or any suitable flexible material. If the entire flexible lighting device needs to be flexible, then thebase 110 should be flexible. Because light does not shine out of the bottom of thebase 110, it is not necessary for the opaque substrate in thebase 110 to be transparent to light. - The opaque substrate in the
base 110 may be covered by a transparent affixing layer or a transparent protection layer formed to protect the light-emittingelements 120. - In the disclosed embodiments, the visible portion of the
base 110 is formed of a material that can easily be colored a large variety of colors, e.g., by dying. In one embodiment, thebase 110 will include a clear top substrate connected to an opaque bottom substrate by a hot-melt adhesive (with the light-emitting elements being sandwiched between the upper and lower substrates). In such an embodiment, the color of the hot-melt adhesive can be matched to a body panel to which it will be attached. In another similar embodiment, a clear adhesive could be used and the lower substrate could be dyed. - Regardless of how it is achieved, the color of the base 110 will be made to match that of a body panel to which it is to be attached. This allows the base 110 to blend in with the body panel when it is observed.
- The light-emitting
elements 120 are devices configured to emit light, such as light of a specific small distribution of wavelengths (e.g., ultraviolet light, blue light, green light, infrared light, or any light with a wavelength between 10 nm and 100,000 nm) or light in a wide range of wavelengths (e.g., white light). By way of example, light of a specific small distribution of wavelengths can be defined by a center wavelength±15 nm, and light in a wide range of wavelengths can be defined by a center wavelength±200-250 nm. - In some embodiments the light-emitting
elements 120 are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light of a particular wavelength; in other embodiments the light-emittingelements 120 are LEDs that emit light in a particular range of wavelengths; and in still other embodiments the light-emittingelements 120 are LEDs that include lenses to focus, diffuse, or color the light. - In still other embodiments, the light-emitting
elements 120 are a group of LEDs that are controlled either together or separately. For example, a single light-emittingelement 120 could include a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. In some embodiments these LEDs could have their anodes and cathodes tied together; in others, they could be separately connected to different positive and negative conductive elements, or even connected to different positive conductive elements but the same negative conductive element, or connected to different negative conductive elements but the same positive conductive element. - The
controller 140 can be any sort of device, such as a microcomputer, that can provide control signals to control the operation of the light-emittingelements 120. In some embodiments, this can be a vehicle controller that controls various aspects of the vehicle's operation. - The
control line 145 can be any sort of signal line capable of conveying control signals from thecontroller 140 to thebase 110 and then to the light-emittingelements 120. - The
power supply 150 can be any sort of vehicular power supply, such as, a main vehicle battery, an auxiliary vehicle battery, or an alternator. - The
power line 155 can be any sort of line capable of conveying power from thepower supply 150 to thebase 110 and then to the light-emittingelements 120. In one disclosed embodiment, thepower line 155 is a two-conductor cable. -
FIG. 2 is an overhead view of thelighting device 130 ofFIG. 1 . As shown inFIG. 2 , thelighting device 130 includes light-emittingelements 120 that are arranged in an array at the surface of thebase 110. In a particular embodiment disclosed inFIG. 2 , the light-emittingelements 120 are arranged in a rectangular array. However, this is by way of example only. In other embodiments, the light-emittingelements 120 can be formed into whatever patterns are desirable. - In addition, while the light-emitting
elements 120 are shown as being large relative to thebase 110, in practice they may be much smaller than illustrated. For example, in embodiments employing LEDs as the light-emittingelements 120, the LEDs may be small enough that they are not visible to the naked eye from a distance of several feet. - Lighting Device System Embedded in a Body Panel
-
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of abody panel 310 that includes an embeddedlighting device 130 according to disclosed embodiments. In this particular embodiment, thebody panel 310 is that of an automobile or truck. However, this is by way of example only. Alternate embodiments could apply to body panels of any sort of vehicle, e.g., a boat, a plane, a train, etc. - In the particular embodiment disclosed in
FIG. 3 , thebody panel 310 is made of a material, such as plastic, which can be molded into its shape. However, this is by way of example only. Alternate embodiments could employ other materials, such as metal, which can be pressed into its shape. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the embeddedlighting device 130 is formed on an outward-facing side of thebody panel 310. The positioning of the embeddedlighting device 130 can vary as needed, and in some embodiments a single body panel could potentially have multiple embeddedlighting devices 130. The shape and design of the embedded lighting device(s) 130 can vary depending upon the type and shape of light desired. Essentially, an embeddedlighting device 130 can be placed wherever it is desirable to have a light in thebody panel 310, and in whatever size or shape is needed for the light. -
FIG. 4 is side cross-sectional view of abody panel 310 with embeddedlighting device 130 according to disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIG. 4 , thebody panel 310 includes arecess 420 and ahole 440. The embeddedlighting device 130 is placed inside therecess 420. Acontrol line 145 is connected to the back of the embeddedlighting device 130 and extends through thehole 440 to acontroller 140 on the opposite side of thebody panel 310 from therecess 420. Apower line 155 is connected to the back of the embeddedlighting device 130 and extends through thehole 440 to apower supply 150 on the opposite side of thebody panel 310 from therecess 420. Finally, aclear coating 470 is applied over thebody panel 310 and the embeddedlighting device 130. - The
body panel 310, the embeddedlighting device 130, thecontroller 140, thecontrol line 145, thepower supply 150, and thepower line 155 operate as disclosed above with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 . Their description will not be repeated here. - The
recess 420 is formed in thebody panel 310 to a depth equal to the thickness of thelighting device 130 to be embedded in it. In various embodiments, the recess can be a depression whose depth is not greater than a thickness of the body panel, or a depression whose depth is greater than the thickness of thebody panel 310, and which protrudes out from an opposite side of thebody panel 310. - The
hole 440 is formed in therecess 420, between a bottom surface of the recess and a side of thebody panel 310 opposite to the side in which therecess 420 is formed. It should be large enough to accommodate both thecontrol line 145 and thepower line 155. It should also be located in such a place that it matches a spot on thelighting device 130 where thecontrol line 145 and thepower line 155 protrude. In this way, thecontrol line 145 and thepower line 155 can be easily placed into the hole without having to run along any portion of the bottom of therecess 420. This will allow thelighting device 130 to fit more snugly into therecess 420. - In alternate embodiments, the
hole 440 could be located on the side of therecess 420. In such embodiments, it should nevertheless passed through to the opposite side of thebody panel 310, and be large enough to accommodate thecontrol line 145 and thepower line 155. - The
clear coating 470 is deposited over both thebody panel 310 and the embeddedlighting device 130. In some embodiments theclear coating 470 comprises a kind of urethane. However, this is by way of example only. Any clear substance that can sufficiently protect thebase 110, the light-emittingelements 120, and thebody panel 310 can be used as theclear coating 470. - Because the clear coating is deposited over the
lighting device 130 and thebody panel 130, it gives the resulting structure a smooth surface, and prevents the detection of a seam where the embeddedlighting device 130 fits into therecess 420. A person running their hand over the resulting coated body panel would feel only a smooth surface without any evidence at all that there is alighting device 130 embedded in the coated body panel. -
FIG. 5 is an overhead view of thebody panel 310 with embeddedlighting device 130 ofFIG. 4 according to disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIG. 5 , therecess 420 is the same size and shape as the embeddedlighting device 130. As a result, the embeddedlighting device 130 fills therecess 420 without any gap between a side of the embeddedlighting device 130 and a side of therecess 420. - Furthermore, if the
base 110 of the embeddedlighting device 130 is formed to be of the same color as thebody panel 310, the embeddedlighting device 130 will appear as if it were part of thebody panel 310. Because it fits tightly into therecess 420, it will be difficult to tell from any significant distance where thebody panel 310 stops and the embeddedlighting device 130 begins. In other words, a person examining thebody panel 310 would have difficulty seeing theperimeter line 540 of therecess 420 and the embedded lighting device. - In addition, if the light-emitting
elements 120 in the embeddedlighting device 130 are selected to be relatively small (e.g., LEDs), then when the light-emittingelements 120 are turned off, it will be difficult to detect them as well. This can give the appearance of a smooth,uninterrupted body panel 310 when the light-emittingelements 120 are off, despite the fact that the embeddedlighting device 130 is present. - Thus, with the
clear coating 470 making it difficult to detect the presence of the embeddedlighting device 130 by touch, and the coloring of thebase 110 of the light-emittingdevice 130 making it difficult to detect the presence of the embeddedlighting device 130 by sight, it becomes extremely difficult for anyone to notice the presence of the embeddedlighting device 130, except by close examination. As a result, when the light-emittingelements 120 are off, the vehicle will look as if it had no lighting elements from a distance, thus enhancing the appearance of the vehicle. - Manufacturing Process
-
FIGS. 6A and 6B are side cross-sectional views showing a manufacturing process of the body panel with embedded lighting device ofFIG. 4 according to first disclosed embodiments. - As shown in
FIG. 6A , thebody panel 310 is initially formed to include therecess 420 and thehole 440. In some embodiments, thebody panel 310 can be made of molded plastic, fiberglass, or the like. In this case the mold is created such that the resulting molded body panel includes therecess 420 and thehole 440. In other embodiments thebody panel 310 could be made of metal. In this case, the metal body panel is formed (e.g. pressed) to include therecess 420 and thehole 440. - Typically the
body panel 310 will be painted prior to having thelighting device 130 attached to it. In this case, it is the color that thebody panel 310 is painted that the color of thelighting device 130 is set to match. - An affixing
material 680 is then deposited on the bottom of therecess 420. This affixingmaterial 680 can be glue, double-sided tape, or any material that could affix thelighting device 130 into therecess 420. - The
lighting device 130 is then placed in therecess 420 in such a manner that thecontrol line 145 and thepower line 155 pass through thehole 440. In this way, thecontrol line 145 and thepower line 155 will not interfere with thelighting device 130 being affixed into therecess 420 by the affixingmaterial 680. - As shown in
FIG. 6B , once thelighting device 130 is a fixed into therecess 420, a clear material (e.g., a urethane) is deposited over thelighting device 130 and the side of thebody panel 310 in which therecess 420 is formed. In this way, theclear coating 470 is formed to make a smooth surface on one side of thebody panel 310, as shown inFIG. 4 . - In addition, the
control wire 145 is attached to thecontroller 140, and thepower line 155 is connected to thepower supply 150. In this way, thelighting device 130 can receive both power to turn on its light-emittingelements 120, and the control signals to know when to turn them on and off. - Although the
adhesive material 680 is shown in bothFIGS. 6A and 6B , and not inFIG. 4 , the adhesive material is also contained in the embodiment ofFIG. 4 . It is simply omitted from the drawing for the purposes of simplicity. - Variable Thickness of Lighting Device System
- In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 to 6B , thelighting device 130 is shown as being flush with the surface of thebody panel 310 when it is embedded in therecess 420. However, it is possible for a variety of reasons for the top surface of thelighting device 130 and the surface of thebody panel 310 to be out of alignment with each other.FIGS. 7 and 8 show embodiments in which the top surface of thelighting device 130 is higher than the surface of thebody panel 310, and in which the top surface of thelighting device 130 is lower than the surface of thebody panel 310. -
FIG. 7 is side cross-sectional view of abody panel 310 with embeddedlighting device 130 in which thelighting device 130 is thicker than arecess 420 provided for it according to disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIG. 7 , the disclosedlighting system 700 includes abody panel 310 that includes arecess 420 and ahole 440, alighting device 730, acontroller 140, acontrol line 145, apower supply 150, apower line 155, and aclear coating 770. - Elements with the same in numbers as previous drawings operate as described above. Their description will not be repeated here.
- As can be seen in
FIG. 7 , thelighting device 730 is thicker in this embodiment then the depth of therecess 420 in thebody panel 310. As a result, thelighting device 730 protrudes from therecess 420 by a distance A. This means that the top surface of thelighting device 730 is not in alignment with the surface of thebody panel 310 containing therecess 420. - However, when the
clear coating 770 is applied to the surface of thebody panel 310 containing therecess 420, it will cover both thebody panel 310 and thelighting device 730. Furthermore, if the thickness of theclear coating 770 is greater than the distance A, the irregularity between the surface of thelighting device 730 and the surface of thebody panel 310 should be virtually undetectable by touch. A person running their hand along the portion of thebody panel 310 containing the embeddedlighting device 730 would feel only the smoothclear coating 770 and not the irregularity in height between the embeddedlighting device 730 and thebody panel 310. In this way, the presence of the embeddedlighting device 730 can be hidden from detection by touch, even in situations in which thelighting element 730 is slightly thicker than the depth of therecess 420. -
FIG. 8 is side cross-sectional view of abody panel 310 with embeddedlighting device 830 in which thelighting device 830 is thinner than arecess 420 provided for it according to disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIG. 8 , the disclosedlighting system 800 includes abody panel 310 that includes arecess 420 and ahole 440, alighting device 830, acontroller 140, acontrol line 145, apower supply 150, apower line 155, and aclear coating 870. - Elements with the same in numbers as previous drawings operate as described above. Their description will not be repeated here.
- As can be seen in
FIG. 8 , thelighting device 830 is thinner in this embodiment then the depth of therecess 420 in thebody panel 310. As a result, the top surface of thelighting device 830 extends down into therecess 420 by a distance B. this means that the top surface of thelighting device 830 is not in alignment with the surface of thebody panel 310 containing therecess 420. - However, when the
clear coating 870 is applied to the surface of thebody panel 310 containing therecess 420, it will cover both thebody panel 310 and thelighting device 830. As a result, the irregularity between the surface of thelighting device 830 and the surface of thebody panel 310 should be virtually undetectable by touch. A person running their hand along the portion of thebody panel 310 containing the embeddedlighting device 830 would feel only the smoothclear coating 870 and not the irregularity in height between the embeddedlighting device 830 and thebody panel 310. In this way, the presence of the embeddedlighting device 830 can be hidden from detection by touch, even in situations in which thelighting element 830 is slightly thinner than the depth of therecess 420. - Thus, as shown in
FIGS. 4 , 7, and 8 the use of theclear coating lighting device lighting device 130 is the same thickness as the depth of therecess 420, whether the embeddedlighting device 730 is thicker than the depth of therecess 420, or whether the embeddedlighting device 830 is thinner than the depth of therecess 420. - Method of Manufacture
-
FIG. 9 is a flow chart describing the operation of manufacturing a body panel with embedded lighting device according to disclosed embodiments. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , the process begins when a body panel is molded to include a recess on a first side of the body panel, and a through hole in the recess (910). As noted above, the recess should be the same size and shape as the lighting element (e.g., a flexible lighting strip) that will be placed inside the recess. The hole should be located where control and power wires from the lighting element can easily pass through it. In some embodiments, the body panel may be painted to have a particular color. - An affixing element is then applied to the inside of the recess (920). Typically, this will involve applying the affixing element to a bottom surface of the recess. In various embodiments, the affixing element can be glue, double-sided tape, or any material that can serve to a fix the lighting element into the recess.
- Control and power wires connected to a lighting device are then inserted through the through hole from a first side of the body panel (930).
- The lighting element is then inserted into the recess such that the control and power wires pass through the through hole (940). The lighting element is pressed into the recess such that it contacts the affixing element and is affixed into the recess.
- The lighting element is manufactured to have the same color as the body panel to make it blend in with the body panel. If the body panel is unpainted, then the lighting element matches the natural color of the body panel. If the body panel is painted, then the lighting element matches the painted color of the body panel.
- Once the lighting element has been affixed into the recess, a clear coating is applied to the first side of the body panel and to the exposed surface of the lighting element (950). This clear coating provides a smooth surface over the entirety of the first side of the body panel and the exposed surface of the lighting element, making it hard to detect by touch where the body panel and the lighting element meet.
- Finally the control wires are fixed to a controller (960) and the power wires are fixed to a power source (970). In this way, the lighting element can be provided with both control signals to determine when its lights should turn on and off, and the power for the lights to operate.
- This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the invention rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. The various circuits described above can be implemented in discrete circuits or integrated circuits, as desired by implementation.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/291,343 US9188293B1 (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2014-05-30 | Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same |
PCT/US2015/022645 WO2015183392A1 (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2015-03-26 | Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same |
CN201580016780.1A CN106132774A (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2015-03-26 | The illumination component being embedded in vehicle panel and manufacture method thereof |
CA2940899A CA2940899A1 (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2015-03-26 | Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same |
EP15800485.3A EP3148843A4 (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2015-03-26 | Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/291,343 US9188293B1 (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2014-05-30 | Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US9188293B1 US9188293B1 (en) | 2015-11-17 |
US20150345723A1 true US20150345723A1 (en) | 2015-12-03 |
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Family Applications (1)
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US14/291,343 Expired - Fee Related US9188293B1 (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2014-05-30 | Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US9188293B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3148843A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106132774A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2940899A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015183392A1 (en) |
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US20170294420A1 (en) * | 2014-09-02 | 2017-10-12 | Philips Lighting Holding B.V. | A method of applying a lighting arrangement to a surface and a lighting surface |
FR3101824A1 (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2021-04-16 | Compagnie Plastic Omnium Se | Encapsulation of a luminous fabric placed on a wall by injection of a thermosetting material |
US11670900B2 (en) | 2019-02-05 | 2023-06-06 | Emergency Technology, Inc. | Universal smart adaptor |
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CN110167833B (en) * | 2016-10-31 | 2021-11-09 | D·萨尔瓦焦 | Integrated electronic component in a vehicle body |
US9902314B1 (en) | 2016-11-17 | 2018-02-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle light system |
DE102022131825A1 (en) * | 2022-12-01 | 2024-06-06 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Method for integrating an electrically controllable display element into a body shell and motor vehicle |
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-
2015
- 2015-03-26 CN CN201580016780.1A patent/CN106132774A/en active Pending
- 2015-03-26 CA CA2940899A patent/CA2940899A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-03-26 EP EP15800485.3A patent/EP3148843A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2015-03-26 WO PCT/US2015/022645 patent/WO2015183392A1/en active Application Filing
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US20170294420A1 (en) * | 2014-09-02 | 2017-10-12 | Philips Lighting Holding B.V. | A method of applying a lighting arrangement to a surface and a lighting surface |
US11670900B2 (en) | 2019-02-05 | 2023-06-06 | Emergency Technology, Inc. | Universal smart adaptor |
FR3101824A1 (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2021-04-16 | Compagnie Plastic Omnium Se | Encapsulation of a luminous fabric placed on a wall by injection of a thermosetting material |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3148843A4 (en) | 2018-01-17 |
WO2015183392A1 (en) | 2015-12-03 |
CA2940899A1 (en) | 2015-12-03 |
EP3148843A1 (en) | 2017-04-05 |
CN106132774A (en) | 2016-11-16 |
US9188293B1 (en) | 2015-11-17 |
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