Automotive Luminous Device Mask Segmentation and Curved Interlocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle luminous devices, such as pixelated tail lamps, face issues with light leakage between adjacent light areas due to the physical barriers provided by masks, which require precise positioning and curvature matching with the outer lens, leading to high optical requirements and increased tooling costs.
Innovation Solution
A curved interlocking mask structure with flexible connecting links allows for rigid positioning and orientation of masks along different axes, reducing tooling costs by using a single mold and preventing light leakage through a diffusing screen and opaque grid arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If masks are used as physical barriers to prevent light leakage between adjacent light areas, then light leakage is reduced, but manufacturing precision and positioning tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into multiple separate mask portions, each corresponding to a specific light area. These segmented mask portions are positioned on respective light source supports and can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing the overall positioning tolerance requirements while maintaining effective light leakage prevention between adjacent areas.
2Reliability
If masks are rigidly positioned to maintain optical tolerances, then optical performance is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mask into multiple independent portions that can be separately positioned on different light source supports, the assembly process becomes more manageable. Each mask portion can be independently adjusted and secured, maintaining optical performance without requiring complex rigid positioning mechanisms for the entire mask structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple molds are used to manufacture masks with different orientations, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single mold is designed to manufacture multiple mask portions that can be used in different orientations and positions within the luminous device. The mold produces standardized mask portions with universal features that can be adapted to various locations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized molds while maintaining the required orientation precision through proper positioning structures.
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 effectively minimizes light leakage and maintains homogenous lighting while reducing manufacturing costs by enabling masks to follow the curvature of the outer lens and allowing for efficient light emission without compromising optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
a mask (12) having a plurality of cavities (14) through which light rays emitted from the plurality of light sources (11) are directed towards the outer lens (19)
Implementation Method 2
the locking means is a flexible connecting link. Flexible means elastically flexible
Implementation Method 3
preventing light leakage through a diffusing screen and opaque grid arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
The present invention related to a luminous device (3) for an automotive vehicle comprising: a plurality of lighting modules (1) juxtaposed along a given direction; and an outer lens (19) arranged to project a light beam emitted from the plurality of lighting modules (1). Each lighting module (1) comprises: a light source support (10) mounted with a plurality of light sources (11) on its first face and a mask (12) disposed opposite to the first face of the light source support (10), wherein the mask (12) comprises a plurality of cavities (14) through which light rays emitted from the plurality of light sources (11) are directed towards the outer lens (19). The mask (12) of each lighting module (1) is provided with a locking means intended to connect masks of the plurality of lighting modules (1).