Precision in Illumination: Case Study of Automotive Applications with Global Lighting Technologies
As a light guide manufacturer, we constantly adapt to industry demands, as demonstrated in several recent automotive projects. Two customers recently turned to our engineering team for interior decorative illumination and a map pocket downlight.
These two customer applications required distinct creative strategies, and Ashlyn Fridrich, Lead Project Engineer, spearheaded both. With extensive experience in the automotive industry, Fridrich didn’t have much of a learning curve. She was ready to quickly deliver precise, customized lighting solutions. Read on to learn how her team leveraged our existing innovative light guide technology for these new automotive applications.
The Opportunity
Automotive manufacturers demand high-quality, reliable, and efficient lighting solutions that enhance vehicle aesthetics and functionality. Our team was ready to deliver.
Interior Decorative Illumination
The primary goal was to create a light guide that was thin enough to fit underneath the car dash fabric without looking bulky. The catch was that the emitted light couldn’t be too bright or distracting. The key was ensuring the light could travel through the entire light guide and diffuse evenly through the fabric.
Map Pocket Downlight
For this application, the primary goal was to illuminate the map pocket only without light spilling into other areas of the vehicle. The customer was eager to create a gradient lighting effect here to enhance the luxury vehicle’s aesthetics.
“As with many automotive light guide projects,” Fridrich noted, “this customer did not provide specific illumination targets or performance specifications; they just wanted the lighting to look good.” Our team has years of experience quantifying subjective customer goals; as a seasoned light guide manufacturer, we know the leading questions to ask for more in-depth information. See the solutions that achieved our customers’ goals!
The Solution
Both projects for this customer required creative thinking to work within a small package space.
Interior Decorative Illumination
For the interior decorative illumination application, we developed a thin, custom polycarbonate light guide that would be placed under the car dash upholstery. This solution required precision in light distribution and compatibility with the vehicle’s sleek design and high-end materials. “We utilized our proprietary micro-optic technology to achieve uniform light distribution without hot spots,” explains Fridrich.
First, we developed in-house prototypes at our offices in the US. We presented them to the customer in person, and they were well received! The thin light guide featured a flexible printed circuit board assembly and was produced using injection molding. The result was a sophisticated lighting system that enhanced the vehicle’s interior ambiance while maintaining energy efficiency.
Map Pocket Downlight
Fridrich and her team experimented with different LED configurations for the map pocket downlight to achieve optimal brightness and uniformity. Likewise, they tested several angles to ensure that light would not bleed from the map pocket to other areas of the vehicle. Their solution was to create a rectangular light bar that would illuminate downwards into map pocket area only.
Like the car dash upholstery project, our engineers created an in-house prototype. This laser prototype was helpful for customer approval because they could assess the map pocket downlight in person. So far, the application is still in the prototype phase of our proven process.
The Results
Overall, the collaborative approach between the customers and our team resulted in two illumination solutions that delivered on the customer’s visions. They were highly impressed with our team’s ability to achieve an ultra-thin profile while achieving the desired illumination effects. Fridrich highlights, “Our commitment to innovation and quality is at the core of every project. We pride ourselves on delivering solutions that meet and surpass industry standards.”
Our extensive automotive industry experience and knowledge from similar projects enabled us to complete these projects quickly.
A Light Guide Manufacturer Helps You Achieve Precision in Automotive Applications
When you have complex illumination requirements like this automotive customer, lean on a light guide manufacturer with a proven track record. Visionary automotive manufacturers turn to Global Lighting Technologies for cutting-edge LED light guide technology and strategic guidance. Connect with our team to create a custom light guide design that meets your goals.