Bi-function Lighting Module with Transparent Body and Dual Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting modules for motor vehicles can only provide a single lighting function, such as a cut-off function, and lack the ability to offer multiple lighting functions with a single module.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module comprising a body made of transparent or translucent material with multiple input and reflection surfaces, including a dioptric reflection folder surface, allows for the formation of a light beam with a cut-off edge and additional lighting functions by utilizing total reflection principles and a cavity with a refractive index difference, enabling both low and high beam lighting functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a lighting module is designed with a single body and optical surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lighting function versatility is limited to a single function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single lighting module body that can perform multiple lighting functions (low beam with cut-off and high beam) through different optical paths. The first optical path reflects rays towards a focus to create a cut-off beam, while the second optical path reflects rays parallel to the optical axis to create a high beam, allowing one module to replace what would traditionally require separate lighting units
2Illumination intensity
If reflective coatings are applied to enhance lighting performance, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the manufacturing precision and reliability are reduced due to coating defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical/coating-based reflective system with a geometric/optical system. Instead of relying on reflective coatings that require precise application and can defect, the invention uses precisely shaped reflection surfaces (first and second reflection surfaces) that utilize total internal reflection or metallic reflection at geometric interfaces, eliminating coating-related manufacturing issues while maintaining high illumination intensity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting module provides multiple lighting functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases with multiple separate modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lighting functions into a single integrated module body. The first and second optical paths, along with their respective reflection surfaces and input surfaces, are combined within one transparent or translucent body, allowing the module to provide both low beam (with cut-off) and high beam functions without requiring separate lighting units, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
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 module achieves a double lighting function with improved optical efficiency and eliminates the need for reflective coatings, providing better optical performance and versatility in vehicle lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflection surface able to reflect to one or more focuses the light rays coming from the first input surface
Implementation Method 2
a dioptric reflection folder surface essentially extending along the optical axis and forming a cut-off edge at the level of the focus or focuses
Implementation Method 3
the said body comprising a dioptric reflection folder surface essentially extending along the optical axis
Implementation Method 4
a second reflection surface able to reflect the light rays coming from the second input surface towards the cut-off edge
Implementation Method 5
the cavity is open towards the exterior and contains a material having a refractive index less than that of the transparent or translucent material
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting module, able to form a light beam along an optical axis, notably for a motor vehicle, having a body made of transparent material. The lighting module includes a first light rays input surface and a first reflection surfaceable to reflect to one or more focuses the light rays coming from the first input surface. A dioptric reflection folder surface essentially is extended along the optical axis and forms a cut-off edge at the level of the focus or focuses. Also included is a second light rays input surface, opposite to the first input surface with respect to the optical axis and a second reflection surface able to reflect the light rays coming from the second input surface towards the cut-off edge.