Bicycle Rear Light With Segmented Mirror For Wide-Angle Distribution
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear lights for vehicles, such as bicycles, face challenges in efficiently directing light both rearward and laterally without excessive energy consumption or complex constructions, as they require multiple LEDs or complex optics to achieve the necessary light distribution.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a single light-emitting diode positioned on the central axis of a mirror with recesses and elongated light-reflecting segments that extend beyond the mirror, along with a V-shaped mirror, to reflect light both rearward and laterally, enhancing visibility while maintaining a compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting diodes are used to achieve lateral light distribution, then the light distribution requirement is met, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central reflective area for rearward light direction and lateral recesses for sideways light emission. This segmentation allows a single LED to fulfill multiple lighting functions that would otherwise require multiple LEDs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining versatile light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror acts as an intermediary optical element that redirects light from a single LED source into multiple directions (rearward and lateral). By using the mirror to mediate light distribution, the system achieves the functionality of multiple LEDs with a single energy-consuming component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prism or mirror surfaces are added to deflect light laterally, then the light distribution requirement is met, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral light-deflecting function is merged directly into the mirror structure through recesses formed in the mirror surface itself, rather than adding separate prism or mirror components. This integration achieves the required light distribution while minimizing construction complexity by combining multiple functions into a single component.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single light-emitting diode is used, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the light distribution capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is designed with three-dimensional recesses that extend laterally from the central axis, creating additional light emission dimensions. This dimensional extension allows a single LED to project light not only rearward but also sideways through the recesses, achieving comprehensive light distribution without requiring multiple light sources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If recesses are formed in the mirror to emit light laterally, then the lateral light emission requirement is met, but the light capture efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror exhibits local quality variations: the central region maintains high reflectivity for rearward light direction, while the lateral recesses provide localized light emission paths. This spatial differentiation of optical properties allows the mirror to simultaneously optimize both light capture efficiency and lateral emission capability without compromising either function.
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
This configuration provides enhanced visibility and safety by ensuring light is distributed over a wide angle, meeting the requirement for lateral emission while minimizing energy consumption and complexity, resulting in a compact and efficient rear light design.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from the light-emitting diode is reflected in rearward direction by the mirror
Implementation Method 2
Recesses formed in the opposite sides of the mirror will allow light to pass in lateral direction
Implementation Method 3
a further V-shaped mirror is disposed in the centre of the mirror, in such a manner that the surfaces of the V-shaped mirror, which include an angle with each other, extend in a direction away from the light-emitting diode from the junction of said surfaces, which faces towards the light-emitting diode. Said further V-shaped mirror will reflect light beyond the light-emitting diode.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a rear light for a vehicle, in particular a bicycle, which rear light comprises a mirror (1) and a light-emitting diode (2) [LED] disposed opposite the mirror (1), wherein, in a mounted position of the rear light on the vehicle, light emitted from the light-emitting diode (2) is reflected in rearward direction by the mirror (1). The light-emitting diode (2) is disposed in the rear light in such a manner that the socket (3) of the light-emitting diode (2), which supports the light-emitting diode (2) and to which a current supply wire (4) is connected, is disposed on the side of the light-emitting part (5) of the light-emitting diode (2) remote from the mirror (1), whilst recesses (7,8) are formed in opposite sides of the mirror (1).