Light plate for a light assembly

Abstract

The light assembly 100, particularly for installation on a vehicle, comprises a light source 300 and a light plate 200 including an entry portion located proximal the light source and photonically connected by an intermediate portion to an exit portion with a light-emitting surface 239. The light plate comprises multiple features, including a total internal reflection (TIR) surface, for guiding light from the entry portion to the light-emitting surface. The features may comprise a collimator lens and a TIR surface both positioned on the entry portion such that light reflected from the lens is subsequently reflected from the TIR surface. Optionally a further TIR surface is positioned on the exit portion. The intermediate portion may have variable (increasing or decreasing) thickness and / or curve surface(s). The light plate may comprise a second exit portion and a second intermediate portion with geometry different from the first. Also claimed is a light plate for the assembly.

Description

[0001] The present application relates generally to a light plate for a light assembly. More specifically, the present application relates to a light plate for a light assembly that can be installed on a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles often include light assemblies to provide illumination. For example, light assemblies may be used as low beam headlights, high beam headlights, and / or daytime running lights. Also, light assemblies are often used in vehicles for decorative purposes. It is often desirable for light assemblies for vehicles to have a minimal depth. However, existing light assemblies that have a narrow depth also require a large quantity of light-emitting devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), to provide adequate surface-area illumination. Having a large quantity of light-emitting devices may be undesirable.

[0003] The inventor has identified numerous deficiencies and problems with the existing technologies in this field. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified deficiencies and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are structured in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include systems, methods, and apparatuses to provide for improved light assemblies.

[0005] In various aspects, a light assembly comprises a light source and a light plate. The light plate may comprise an entry portion that is positioned proximate to the light source, an exit portion that comprises a light-emitting surface, and an intermediate portion that photonically connects the entry portion with the exit portion. The light plate may comprise a plurality of features that are configured to modify a characteristic of light received from the light source. At least one of the plurality of features may be a total internal reflection (HR) surface. The plurality of features may be configured to guide at least a portion of the light from the entry portion to the light-emitting surface of the exit portion.

[0006] In various examples, the plurality of features comprises a first feature that is a collimator lens that is positioned on the entry portion of the light plate, and a second feature that is a TIR surface that is positioned on the entry portion of the light plate. The second feature may be positioned such that light reflected from the collimator lens is subsequently reflected from the second feature.

[0007] In various examples, the plurality of features comprises a third feature that is a TIR surface that is positioned on the exit portion of the light plate. The third feature may be positioned such that light reflected from the second feature is subsequently reflected from the third feature.

[0008] In various examples, the light plate further comprises a second exit portion and a second intermediate portion, the second intermediate portion being positioned between the entry portion and the second exit portion. The geometry of the second intermediate portion may differ from the intermediate portion.

[0009] In various examples, the intermediate portion of the light plate has a variable thickness that increases as a distance from the entry portion increases.

[0010] In various examples, the intermediate portion of the light plate has a variable thickness that decreases as a distance from the entry portion increases.

[0011] In various examples, the intermediate portion comprises at least one curved surface.

[0012] In various examples, the intermediate portion comprises at least one curved surface that extends away from the exit portion.

[0013] In various examples, the exit portion comprises a light-emitting surface that is curved.

[0014] In various examples, the plurality of features are configured to collectively control a luminous flux density and angle of light emitted by the light plate.

[0015] In various examples, the light plate comprises a light-emitting surface that has a rounded rhomboid shape.

[0016] In various examples, a surface of the light plate is a textured surface.

[0017] In various examples, a surface of the light plate has a surface finish that promotes light to exit the surface.

[0018]

[0019] In various aspects, a light plate for a light assembly comprises an entry portion, an exit portion that comprises a light-emitting surface, and an intermediate portion that photonically connects the entry portion with the exit portion. The light plate may comprise a plurality of features that are configured to modify a characteristic of light received from a light source. At least one of the plurality of features may be a TIR surface. The plurality of features may be configured to guide at least a portion of the light from the entry portion to the light-emitting surface of the exit portion.

[0020] In various examples, the plurality of features comprises a first feature that is a collimator lens that is positioned on the entry portion of the light plate, and a second feature that is a TIR surface that is positioned on the entry portion of the light plate. The second feature may be positioned such that light reflected from the collimator lens is subsequently reflected from the second feature.

[0021] In various examples, the plurality of features comprises a third feature that is a TIR surface that is positioned on the exit portion of the light plate. The third feature may be positioned such that light reflected from the second feature is subsequently reflected from the third feature.

[0022] In various examples, the light plate further comprises a second exit portion and a second intermediate portion, the second intermediate portion being positioned between the entry portion and the second exit portion. The geometry of the second intermediate portion may differ from the intermediate portion.

[0023] In various examples, the intermediate portion of the light plate has a variable thickness that increases as a distance from the entry portion increases.

[0024] In various examples, the intermediate portion of the light plate has a variable thickness that decreases as a distance from the entry portion increases.

[0025] In various examples, the intermediate portion comprises at least one curved surface.

[0026] In various examples, the intermediate portion comprises at least one curved surface that extends away from the exit portion.

[0027] In various examples, the exit portion comprises a light-emitting surface that is curved.

[0028] In various examples, the plurality of features are configured to collectively control a luminous flux density and angle of light emitted by the light plate.

[0029] In various examples, the light plate comprises a light-emitting surface that has a rounded rhomboid shape.

[0030] In various examples, a surface of the light plate is a textured surface.

[0031] In various examples, a surface of the light plate has a surface finish that promotes light to exit the surface.

[0032] The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms above, non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

[0034] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 4 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of at least a portion of a light assembly, m accordance with an example embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 5 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a light plate of the light assembly of FIG. 4, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 6 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of the light assembly of FIG. 4, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 7 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of the light assembly of FIG. 4, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 8 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of the light plate of FIG. 5, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 9 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of the light plate of FIG. 5, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 10 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of a light plate, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 11 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of a light plate, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 12 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of a light plate, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 13 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of a light plate, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 14 provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of a light plate, in accordance with an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] One or more embodiments are now more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout and in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and accordingly this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0049] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. In addition, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0050] As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

[0051] As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0052] As used herein, the term “positioned directly on” refers to a first component being positioned on a second component such that they make contact. Similarly, as used herein, the term “positioned directly between” refers to a first component being positioned between a second component and a third component such that the first component makes contact with both the second component and the third component. In contrast, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component may or may not have contact with the second component and the third component. Additionally, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component is positioned such that there may be other intervening components between the second component and the third component other than the first component.

[0053] As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within manufacturing or engineering tolerances. For example, terms of approximation may refer to being within a five percent margin of error.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, perspective views of a vehicle 10 are provided, in accordance with various example embodiments. As depicted, the vehicle 10 may be a land vehicle, such as a sports utility vehicle. The vehicle 10 may also be any other type of land vehicle such as a car, a truck, an all-terrain vehicle, a minivan, a motorcycle, etc. In various examples, the vehicle 10 is an aircraft, such as an airplane or a helicopter, or a watercraft, such as a boat or a yacht.

[0055] In various examples, the vehicle 10 has a light assembly 100 that has a light plate 200 that has a light-emitting surface 239. As will be explained further, the lightemitting surface 239 may be configured to emit light that is received by the light plate 200. The light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200 can have any shape. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1, the light-emitting surface 239 can be U-shaped, such as a slanted U-shape. As depicted in FIGS. 2-3, the light-emitting surface 239 can have a rhomboid shape, such as a rounded rhomboid shape, such as a slanted rounded rhomboid shape. Various other shapes for the light-emitting surface 239 are contemplated, such as oval shape, circle shaped, square shaped, rhombus shaped, diamond shaped, etc.

[0056] In various examples, and as will be discussed further, the light assembly 100 includes an outer lens 150 that is positioned in front of the light plate 200 relative to the vehicle 10. Light emitted by the light plate 200 may travel through the outer lens 150.

[0057] In various examples, the light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200 is planar. In various other examples, the light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200 is non-planar. For example, the light-emitting surface 239 can have at least some portions that are curved and / or can have at least some portions that are planar, but are on a different plane than other portions of the light-emitting surface 239.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, schematic, cross-sectional views of at least portions of a light assembly 100 are provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The light assembly 100 may define an X direction, a Y direction that is orthogonal to the X direction, and a Z direction the is orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. The X and Y directions may extend generally horizontally (e.g., within forty degrees of the horizontal direction) when the light assembly 100 is installed on a vehicle 10 and the Z direction may extend generally vertically (e.g., within forty degrees of the vertical direction) when the light assembly 100 is installed on a vehicle 10. However, it should be understood that the light assembly 100 could be installed on the vehicle 10 in any orientation.

[0059] In various examples, the light plate 200 is manufactured from a transparent material. For example, the light plate 200 may be manufactured from glass, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, silicon, or a combination thereof. The light plate 200 can be machined from a solid piece of material or manufactured using a molding process, such an injection molding process or a compression molding process.

[0060] In various examples, the light assembly 100 may include an outer lens 150. The outer lens 150 may be monolithic or may be comprised of several components, each of the several components may be manufactured from the same material or from different materials. The outer lens 150, or at least some of the components of the outer lens 150, may be manufactured from a transparent material or from a diffusing material. For example, the outer lens 150 may be manufactured from glass, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, silicon, or a combination thereof. The outer lens 150, or at least some of the components of the outer lens 150, can be machined from a solid piece of material or manufactured using a molding process, such an injection molding process or a compression molding process. The outer lens 150 may include a material stack that may include paint or film elements. The outer lens 150 may be positioned to receive light beams 20 that are emitted from the light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200.

[0061] In various examples, and with reference to FIGS. 5-6, the light plate 200 may have an entry portion 210 that is positioned proximate to the light source 300, an exit portion 230 (e.g., a first exit portion 230a), and an intermediate portion 220 (e.g., a first intermediate portion 220a) that photomcally connects the entry portion 210 with the exit portion 230. As used herein, the term “photonically connects” refers to light being capable of making the connection between the areas specified. The light plate 200 may have a second exit portion 230b and a second intermediate portion 220b that photonically connects the entry portion 210 with the second exit portion 230b. As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, the light plate 200 is a three-dimensional object and the exit portion 230 extends in and out of the page along a certain distance. For simplicity, the light plate 200 is often discussed relative to a cross-sectional shape of the light plate 200 at a certain point on the light plate 200. In various examples, the cross-sectional shape of the light plate 200 may vary depending on the location of the cross section. Further, even though a first exit portion 230a and a second exit portion 230b are often discussed as separate portions, it should also be understood that in various examples, they may be monolithic, as depicted in FIG. 3.

[0062] The light plate 200 may define a width W and an overall thickness Tl. In various examples, the overall thickness Tl is at least 3 millimeters and up to 100 millimeters. The width W may be at least 15 millimeters and up to 1,000 millimeters. The first intermediate portion 220a and / or the second intermediate portion 220b of the light plate 200 may define a thickness T2, which may be at least 1 millimeter and up to 12 millimeters.

[0063] A ratio (Tl :T2) between the overall thickness Tl and the thickness T2 that is defined by the first intermediate portion 220a and / or the second intermediate portion 220b may be less than 5:1, such as less than 4:1, such as less than 3:1, such as less than 2:1. As will be appreciated, having a light plate 200 that defines a Tl:T2 ratio that is less than 5:1 has various benefits, such as reducing a volume of the light assembly 100 and / or reducing a thickness of the light assembly 100. This may be advantageous when, for example, the light assembly 100 is to be installed on a vehicle 10 in a location where space is limited, such as when the light assembly 100 is to be installed in a location that was previously intended to be non-illuminated. As such, the light assembly 100 of the present disclosure may be installed on a vehicle 10 without significant redesign of the vehicle 10 because of the reduced overall thickness T1 of the light plate 200.

[0064] In various examples, the first intermediate portion 220a and / or the second intermediate portion 220b may extend generally in the X direction a distance that is at least twenty percent of the width W of the light plate 200. The first exit portion 230a and / or the second exit portion 230b may extend generally in the Y direction.

[0065] In various examples, the light assembly 100 includes a light source 300 that is coupled, directly or indirectly, to the light plate 200. The light source 300 may be positioned proximate to (e.g., within five centimeters) the entry portion 210 of the light plate 200. For example, the light source 300 may be positioned at least partially within a cavity 213 that is defined by the entry portion 210 of the light plate 200.

[0066] The light source 300 may include at least one light-emitting device 310, such as at least one light-emitting diode (LED), at least one laser, at least one incandescent light source, at least one optical element that is configured to guide light proximate to the light plate 200, or a combination thereof. Each light-emitting device 310 may define an optical axis A. At least one of the optical axes may extend in the Y direction. When included, the at least one optical element that is configured to guide light proximate to the light plate 200 may be another light plate that is separate from the light plate 200 of the present disclosure, at least one light guide, or at least one optic fiber.

[0067] As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, the light source 300 may only include a minimal quantity of light-emitting devices 310, such as less than five light-emitting devices 310, such as less than three light-emitting devices 310, such as less than two light-emitting devices 310, such as only one light-emitting device 310. For example, less than five, such as less than three, such as less than two, such as only one LED may be positioned such that light emitted from the LED(s) is / are the only source of light that is transmitted to the entry portion 210 of the light plate 200.

[0068] In various examples, and with reference to FIGS. 6-8, the light plate 200 includes a plurality of features that are configured to modify a characteristic of light received from the light source 300 and emitted by the light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200. The characteristic of light may be an angle of a beam of light 20 or the luminous flux of the light. At least one of the plurality of features may be a total internal reflection (TIR) surface. For example, each TIR surface 201 may reflect a beam of light 20 when the beam of light 20 hits the surface at an angle that is less than a critical angle. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the critical angle, in optics, is the greatest angle at which a beam of light 20, travelling in one transparent medium (e.g., the light plate 200), can strike the boundary between that medium and a second of lower refractive index (e.g., air around the light plate 200) without being totally reflected within the first medium. The TIR surface 201 may cause a beam of light 20 to reflect off the TIR surface 201 such that an angle of incidence is equal to an angle of reflection.

[0069] In various examples, at least one of the plurality of features may be a collimator lens 212. The collimator lens 212 may include TIR surfaces 201 and may be configured to receive light emitted from the light source 300 (e.g., through the TIR surface 201 that defines the cavity 213) and reflect the light from a curved TIR surface 202. The curved TIR surface 202 may reflect a light beam at varying angles of reflection depending on where the light beam hits the curved TIR surface 202.

[0070] In various examples, and with reference to FIG. 7, a first TIR surface 201a may be positioned to receive light from the collimator lens 212 (e.g., light that is reflected from the curved TIR surface 202 of the collimator lens 212). The first TIR surface 201a may be positioned within the entry portion 210 of the light plate 200. The first TIR surface 201a may be positioned to reflect light into the intermediate portion 220 of the light plate 200. For example, the first TIR surface 201a may be positioned to reflect light into the intermediate portion 220 of the light plate 200 such that the light that enters the intermediate portion 220 does not exceed the critical angle of side boundaries 222a of the intermediate portion 220, which may be TIR surfaces 201, and remains within the boundaries of the intermediate portion 220. In various examples, the first TIR surface 201a extends at an angle that is at least 35 degrees and up to 55 degrees, such as at least 40 degrees and up to 50 degrees, such as approximately a 45 degree angle relative to an YZ plane defined by the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0071] As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, because the light plate 200 is a three-dimensional object, at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source 300 may travel at an angle relative to an XY plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction (i.e., at an angle relative to the page). It should be understood that FIG. 7 only depicts a portion of the light assembly 100 at a particular cross section (i.e., at a location where one of the light-emitting devices 310 is located). Other areas of the light plate 200 may have a different cross-sectional shape, or the same cross-sectional shape. Further, the shape of the light plate 200 may be dependent on a distance from the light-emitting device 310 of the light source 300. For example, the shape of the light plate 200 may be tailored such that light plate 200 emits a uniform, or near uniform, intensity. For example, the shape of the light plate 200 may be tailored so that areas on the exit portion(s) 230 that are further away from a light-emitting device 310 of the light source 300 emit light having the same, or nearly the same, intensity as an area on the exit portion that is closest to the light-emitting device 310 of the light source 300.

[0072] In various examples, a second TIR surface 201b may be positioned to receive light from the collimator lens 212 (e.g., light that is reflected from the curved TIR surface 202 of the collimator lens 212). The second TIR surface 201b may be positioned within the entry portion 210 of the light plate 200. The second TIR surface 201b may be positioned to reflect light into the second intermediate portion 220b of the light plate 200. For example, the second HR surface 201b may be positioned to reflect light into the second intermediate portion 220b of the light plate 200 such that the light that enters the second intermediate portion 220b does not exceed the critical angle of side boundaries 222a of the second intermediate portion 220b, which may be TIR surfaces 201, and remains within the boundaries of the second intermediate portion 220b.

[0073] In various examples, the second TIR surface 201b may connect with the first TIR surface 201a at a point that lies near or on the optical axis A. In various examples, the second TIR surface 201b is configured substantially similar as the first TIR surface 201a such that the second TIR surface 201b is a mirror image of the first TIR surface 201a. However, in various examples, the second TIR surface 201b may be configured differently than the first HR surface 201a and may have a different geometrical shape than the first HR surface 201a and / or extend at a different angle relative to the YZ plane.

[0074] In various examples, the second intermediate portion 220b may be configured substantially similar as the first intermediate portion 220a such that the second intermediate portion 220b is a mirror image of the second intermediate portion 220b. However, in various examples, the second intermediate portion 220b may be configured differently than the first intermediate portion 220a and may have a different geometrical shape than first intermediate portion 220a.

[0075] In various examples, and with reference to FIG. 8, a third FIR surface 201c may be positioned to receive light from the intermediate portion 220 and reflect the light towards the light-emitting surface 239 of the exit portion 230. A fourth TIR surface 201 d (FIG. 5) may be positioned to receive light from the second intermediate portion 220b and reflect the light towards the light-emitting surface 239 of the second exit portion 230b (FIG. 5). The third TIR surface 201c may be configured substantially similar as the fourth TIR surface 20Id. However, in various examples, the third TIR surface 201c is configured differently than the fourth TIR surface 201 d and may have a different geometrical shape than the fourth TIR surface 201 d.

[0076] In various examples, and with reference to FIG. 5, the first TIR surface 201a and the second TIR surface 201b may together define an inverted cone shape. The inverted cone shape may be centered on or near the optical axis A. The first TIR surface 201a and the second TIR surface 201b may have any other shape, such as a funnel shape, freeform shape (i.e., an irregular and / or uneven shape), etc. At least a portion of the third TIR surface 201c and the fourth TIR surface 201 d may be planar, non-planar, or have any other shape, such as a freeform shape.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 9-14, schematic, cross-sectional views of portions of light plates are provided, in accordance with various example embodiments. In various examples, the light plate 200 and / or the plurality of features are configured to modify a characteristic of light received prior to being emitted by the light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200. For example, the plurality of features may be collectively configured to guide at least a portion of the light from the entry portion 210 of the light plate 200 to the light-emitting surface 239 of the exit portion 230 of the light plate 200. As at least a portion of the light is guided through the light plate 200, the plurality of features and / or the geometries of the light plate 200 may modify a characteristic of the light that is being guided through the light plate 200 (e.g., an angle of a beam of light 20 or the luminous flux of the light).

[0078] For example, and with reference to FIGS. 9-10, the light plate 200 may define side boundaries 222a, 223a, 222b, 223b. The side boundaries 222a, 223a, 222b, 223b may extend generally in the Z direction (in and out of the page). The intermediate portion 220 may have an inner side boundary 222a and an outer side boundary 223a that extend generally along an XZ plane that extends generally in the X direction and generally in the Z direction. The inner side boundary 222a and the outer side boundary 223a of the intermediate portion 220 may extend from the entry portion 210 to the exit portion 230 of the light plate 200. For example, the inner side boundary 222a may extend from the collimator lens 212 to the third TIR surface 201c. The outer side boundary 223a may extend from the first TIR surface 201a to an inner side boundary 222b of the exit portion 230. The inner side boundary 222b and an outer side boundary 223b of the exit portion 230 may extend generally along a YZ plane that extends generally in the Y direction and in the Z direction.

[0079] In various examples, and as depicted in FIG. 9, the inner side boundary 222a of the intermediate portion 220 can extend substantially parallel to the outer side boundary 223a of the intermediate portion 220. In various examples, and as depicted in FIG. 10, the inner side boundary 222a may not extend parallel to the outer side boundary 223a. For example, the inner side boundary 222a may extend at an angle that is at least 3 degrees, such as at least 5 degrees, such as at least 10 degrees from the outer side boundary 223a. The distance from the inner side boundary 222a to the outer side boundary 223a may increase as a distance from the entry portion 210 increases. As depicted in FIG. 10, the distance from the inner side boundary 222a to the outer side boundary 223a may decrease as a distance from the entry portion 210 increases, which may result in a smaller width of the light band 30 exiting the light-emitting surface 239 of the exit portion 230. As will be appreciated, the reduced width of the light band 30 exiting the light-emitting surface 239 of the exit portion 230 may reduce the luminous flux density of the light emitted by the light-emitting surface 239.

[0080] In various examples, and as depicted in FIG. 11, the light plate 200 includes a surface finish 225. For example, the inner side boundary 222a and / or the outer side boundary 223a of the intermediate portion 220 may include a surface finish 225. In various examples, other boundaries of the light plate 200 includes a surface finish 225, such as one of the TIR surfaces 201. The surface finish 225 may promote light to exit the light plate 200 to reduce the luminous flux density of light being emitted from the lightemitting surface 239 of the exit portion 230 of the light plate 200. For example, the surface finish 225 may be a grained or textured area molded into the surface, a geometry pattern of optical elements molded into the light plate surface not exceeding 1 millimeter in height, a roughened surface finish achieved by a post process such as laser etching or sand blasting, an area of additional material painted, printed, or otherwise adhered on to the light plate surface.

[0081] In various examples, and as depicted in FIG. 12, the intermediate portion 220 of the light plate 200 may be curved away from the exit portion 230. With a brief reference to FIG. 5, curving the intermediate portion 220 away from the exit portion 230 may reduce an overall thickness T1 of the light plate 200. Reducing the overall thickness T1 of the light plate 200 may be beneficial because an overall size of the light assembly 100 may be reduced.

[0082] In various examples, the length of the exit portion 230 in the Y direction may be tailored. For example, and as depicted in FIG. 13, the exit portion 230 may be elongated. In various examples, the length of the exit portion 230 is reduced. The length of the exit portion 230 may be adjusted to accommodate optical components that receive light emitted from the light-emitting surface 239, such as the outer lens 150 (FIG. 4).

[0083] In various examples, one or more surfaces of the light plate 200 may not be planar. For example, and as depicted in FIG. 14, the light-emitting surface 239 may be curved such that it is a convex surface. In various examples, one or more surfaces of the light plate 200 may be a convex surface, a concave surface, or a combination thereof. For example, the entry portion 210 can have a concave surface that defines a cavity 213 (FIG. 6). The curved surfaces may condition the light direction and / or diffusion characteristics of the light exiting the light plate 200.

[0084] In various examples, one or more surfaces of the light plate 200 comprise various other features to modify a characteristic of light received by the light source 300. For example, one or more surfaces of the light plate 200 may include textured surfaces and / or have optic details to modify the characteristic of light. As yet another example. any surface of the light plate 200 can have any shape and need not be planar and / or have a consistent radius of curvature.

[0085] The light assembly 100 and light plate 200 of the present disclosure has various benefits. For example, the light assembly 100 and light plate 200 may be more compact than existing technologies, especially in the Y direction. This may be beneficial because the light assembly 100 and / or the light plate 200 may be installed in areas where an illumination device was not initially intended to be. Additionally, the light assembly 100 and light plate 200 of the present disclosure may allowed for the light characteristics of the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200 to be tailored for lighting requirements and / or preferences. For example, the luminous flux may be increased or decreased by adjustment or addition of one or more of the discussed features of the light plate 200 (e.g., adding or adjusting a curved surface, changing an angle and / or curvature of a TIR surface 201, adding a surface finish 225, adding a textured surface, incorporating a collimator lens 212, etc.).

[0086] Further, even though the various features have been described relative to cross-sectional views, it should be understood that the light plate 200 is a three-dimensional object and the cross-sectional geometry of the light plate 200 may vary depending on the location of the particular cross-section along the Z axis. As such, the light characteristics of the light plate 200 need not be consistent along the Z axis. For example, it may be desired that the luminous flux emitted by the light-emitting surface 239 be greater at a first location on the Z axis than at a second location on the Z axis. As such, the plurality of features at the first location and / or the second location can be adjusted to achieve the desired gradient in the luminous flux.

[0087] Additionally, a minimal amount of light-emitting devices 310 may be needed to illuminate the light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200. For example, four or less, such as three or less, such as two or less, such as only one light-emitting device 310 may be needed to illuminate the entire light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1-3, one, two, or three light-emitting devices 310, such as LEDS, may be positioned at a location behind the light-emitting surface 239 and within the shape defined by the light-emitting surface 239. The light from the lightemitting device(s) 310 may travel through the light plate 200 and be conditioned via the plurality of features to change an angle of the light. As such, the plurality of features may be used to spread the light emitted by the minimal amount of light-emitting devices 310 such that at least a majority of the light-emitting surface 239 of the light plate 200 is illuminated. Conclusion

[0088] The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject disclosure and corresponding figures and what is described in the Abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other embodiments having modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions can be implemented for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are therefore considered within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A light assembly comprising:a light source; anda light plate comprising:an entry portion that is positioned proximate to the light source;an exit portion that comprises a light-emitting surface; andan intermediate portion that photonically connects the entry portion with the exit portion, wherein:the light plate further comprises a plurality of features configured to modify a characteristic of light received from the light source,at least one of the plurality of features is a total internal reflection (TIR) surface, andthe plurality of features is collectively configured to guide at least a portion of the light from the entry portion to the light-emitting surface of the exit portion.

2. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of features comprises:a first feature that is a collimator lens that is positioned on the entry portion of the light plate; anda second feature that is a TIR surface that is positioned on the entry portion of the light plate, wherein the second feature is positioned such that light reflected from the collimator lens is subsequently reflected from the second feature.

3. The light assembly of claim 2, wherein:the plurality of features further comprises a third feature that is a TIR surface that is positioned on the exit portion of the light plate, andthe third feature is positioned such that light reflected from the second feature is subsequently reflected from the third feature.

4. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein:the light plate further comprises a second exit portion and a second intermediate portion, the second intermediate portion being positioned between the entry portion and the second exit portion, andthe geometry of the second intermediate portion differs from the intermediate portion.

5. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion of the light plate has a variable thickness that increases as a distance from the entry portion increases.

6. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion of the light plate has a variable thickness that decreases as a distance from the entry portion increases.

7. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion comprises at least one curved surface.

8. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion comprises at least one curved surface that extends away from the exit portion.

9. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the exit portion comprises a light-emitting surface that is curved.

10. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of features is configured to collectively control a luminous flux density and angle of light emitted by the light plate.

11. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the light plate comprises a light-emitting surface that has a rounded rhomboid shape.

12. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein a surface of the light plate is a textured surface.

13. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein a surface of the light plate has a surface finish that promotes light to exit the surface.

14. A light plate for a light assembly, the light plate comprising:an entry portion;an exit portion that comprises a light-emitting surface; andan intermediate portion that photonically connects the entry portion with the exit portion, wherein:the light plate further comprises a plurality of features that are configured to modify a characteristic of light received from a light source,at least one of the plurality of features is a total internal reflection (TIR) surface, andthe plurality of features is collectively configured to guide at least a portion of the light from the entry portion to the light-emitting surface of the exit portion.

15. The light assembly of claim 14, wherein the plurality of features comprises:a first feature that is a collimator lens that is positioned on the entry portion of the light plate; anda second feature that is a TIR surface that is positioned on the entry portion of the light plate, wherein the second feature is positioned such that light reflected from the collimator lens is subsequently reflected from the second feature.

16. The light assembly of claim 15, wherein:the plurality of features further comprises a third feature that is a TIR surface that is positioned on the exit portion of the light plate, andthe third feature is positioned such that light reflected from the second feature is subsequently reflected from the third feature.

17. The light assembly of claim 14, wherein:the light plate further comprises a second exit portion and a second intermediate portion, the second intermediate portion being positioned between the entry portion and the second exit portion, andthe geometry of the second intermediate portion differs from the intermediate portion.

18. The light assembly of claim 14, wherein the intermediate portion of the light plate has a variable thickness that increases as a distance from the entry portion increases.

19. The light assembly of claim 14, wherein the intermediate portion of the light plate has a variable thickness that decreases as a distance from the entry portion increases.

20. The light assembly of claim 14, wherein the intermediate portion comprises at least one curved surface.

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