Alternating Transmission Vehicle Lighting Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices for vehicles, such as position lights and daytime running lights, are bulky, prone to condensation, and have inefficient light output due to the use of masks with holes and protective glass, which also complicates assembly and integration.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a light source and a screen featuring alternating zones of different light transmission coefficients, eliminating the need for a mask with holes, allowing for reduced bulk, improved light output, and simplified assembly, where the screen is made of alternating transparent white crystal and opaque black plastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mask with holes and protective glass are used to create light zones and dark zones, then the photometric function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky along the direction of photon propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mask with holes from the optical path, extracting only the necessary light-blocking function. Instead of using a physical mask with through-holes, the invention uses a continuous light-blocking element (such as a reflector or opaque surface) that achieves the same photometric effect without requiring the complex hole-patterned mask structure, thereby reducing device length.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mask with holes to define light zones by what passes through, the invention inverts the approach by using a continuous light-blocking surface and selectively allowing light to pass around or reflect from it. This reversal eliminates the need for holes in the mask, simplifying the structure and reducing the longitudinal dimension of the device.
2Reliability
If a mask with holes and protective glass are used, then light zones are defined, but condensation occurs between the mask and protective glass due to temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mask with holes from the system, eliminating the space between the mask and protective glass where condensation occurs. By extracting this problematic component and its associated thermal gradient zone, the condensation issue is resolved while light zone definition is maintained through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful thermal gradient that causes condensation into a beneficial uniform temperature distribution. By eliminating the mask structure that creates localized heating and cooling zones, the entire protective glass surface maintains a more uniform temperature, preventing condensation while still achieving the desired light zone definition through other optical means.
3Reliability
If a mask with holes is used to create light zones, then the photometric function is achieved, but light output is reduced due to photons being blocked by opaque zones
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of defining light zones by holes in an opaque mask, the invention inverts the approach by using a continuous opaque surface and defining light zones by areas where light is reflected or allowed to pass around the blocking element. This inversion reduces photon blocking and improves overall light output while maintaining photometric function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflector or intermediate optical element that redirects photons that would otherwise be blocked by the mask structure. This intermediary component captures photons in areas that would be blocked by opaque zones and redirects them into the light zones, improving overall light output while maintaining the desired photometric pattern.
4Reliability
If a mask with holes and protective glass are used, then light zones are defined, but positioning the protective glass becomes difficult due to dimensional tolerances and clearances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mask with holes from the assembly, eliminating the complex positioning requirements between the mask and protective glass. By extracting this problematic component, the assembly process is simplified as there are no longer multiple components (mask holes, glass holes, clearances) that need to be precisely aligned, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a more compact design, reduced condensation, enhanced light output, and simplified assembly by eliminating the mask and holes, while maintaining effective photometric functions.
Implementation Method 1
comprising an alternation of first and second zones respectively having a first light transmission coefficient and a second light transmission coefficient strictly lower than this first light transmission coefficient
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (DE) comprising a light source (SL) for delivering, to a predefined site (EP), photons having at least one photometric function, and a screen (EC) placed in front of the predefined site (EP) and comprising alternating first (Z1) and second (Z2) zones respectively having a first light transmission coefficient and a second light transmission coefficient which is strictly lower than the first, such that the intensity of the light resulting from the photons passing through each first zone (Z1) is strictly higher than the intensity of the light resulting from the photons passing through each second zone (Z2).