Vehicle Auxiliary Lamp Unit Uniform Illumination Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle headlamp assemblies face challenges in providing uniform and aesthetically pleasing auxiliary lighting using separate light sources and reflector structures, which can result in non-uniform illumination and a less appealing design.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle auxiliary lamp unit comprising a first circuit board with multiple LEDs, an elongated light pipe, and a reflector with curved reflective sections, where the light pipe receives light from some LEDs and the reflector reflects light from others to create uniform illumination through a transparent lens cover, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate light sources and reflector structures are used for auxiliary lamp units, then the design can provide supplemental illumination and decorative lighting functions, but the illumination becomes non-uniform and the aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate light sources (LEDs) and reflector structures into a single integrated auxiliary lamp unit. The circuit board mounts multiple LEDs in specific patterns, and the reflector is designed as one piece with multiple curved reflective portions, merging what would otherwise be separate components into a unified structure that produces uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector incorporates different curved reflective portions with varying geometries tailored to specific locations. Each curved reflective portion is positioned and shaped to redirect light from specific LEDs to achieve uniform light distribution across the lens cover, with each local region optimized for its specific illumination requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple separate light sources are used to illuminate different areas, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the light distribution becomes non-uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector incorporates different curved reflective portions with varying geometries tailored to specific locations. Each curved reflective portion is positioned and shaped to redirect light from specific LEDs to achieve uniform light distribution across the lens cover, with each local region optimized for its specific illumination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary lamp unit divides the illumination task among multiple LEDs mounted on the circuit board, with each LED serving a specific function (e.g., parking lamp, daytime running lamp, fog light). The reflector is segmented into multiple curved reflective portions, each directing light from specific LEDs to different areas of the lens cover, ensuring comprehensive yet uniform coverage.
3Productivity
If direct light emission through the lens is allowed, then illumination efficiency is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and controlled light distribution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the reflector as an intermediary between the LEDs and the lens cover. Instead of allowing direct light emission, the reflector intercepts light from the LEDs and redirects it through controlled reflection to illuminate the lens cover uniformly. This intermediary structure enables both efficient light utilization and aesthetic light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector incorporates curved reflective portions with specific radii of curvature designed to redirect light at precise angles. The curvature of each reflective portion is calculated to achieve uniform light distribution across the lens cover, transforming direct light emission into controlled, aesthetically pleasing illumination patterns.
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 provides uniform illumination across the auxiliary lens cover while maintaining a visually appealing design, allowing for adjustable illumination settings and improved light distribution without direct light emission through the lens, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated light pipe that illuminates a second area of the auxiliary headlamp
Implementation Method 2
The first curved reflective portion is disposed behind the elongated light pipe to reflect light from a second of the plurality of first light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle auxiliary lamp unit includes a first circuit board and an elongated light pipe. The first circuit board has a plurality of first light sources and at least one aperture. The elongated light pipe has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is located by the first circuit board and arranged to receive light from a first of the plurality of first light sources. The proximal end of the elongated light pipe includes at least one locating projection that is received by the at least one aperture of the first circuit board.