Collector-Imaging Light Module with Direct-Ray Blocking Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminous modules for automotive vehicles require precise positioning of a folder and cutoff edge, leading to increased weight and production complexity due to thick lenses, and suffer from stray light rays degrading the projected beam.
Innovation Solution
A screen is positioned in front of the light source to intercept direct light rays, extending transversely with a constant cross-section and attached to a plate, effectively blocking stray rays while minimizing size and interference with the reflective surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a folder and cutoff edge are used to produce a cutoff lighting beam, then the lighting beam can be shaped, but the device requires high positioning precision and increased weight due to thick lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cutoff function from the complex folder+lens system and implements it using a simple screen blocker positioned at the focal plane. The screen selectively blocks stray rays while allowing reflected light to pass through, achieving the same cutoff effect without requiring precise positioning of folders or thick lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive and complex thick lens system with a simple screen blocker that can be easily manufactured and positioned. The screen is a basic optical element that provides the same functional benefit (cutoff of stray rays) with significantly reduced complexity and positioning requirements.
2Shape
If a thick lens is used to refract rays, then the cutoff edge can be formed, but the lens weight increases and production becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cutoff function from the thick lens system and implements it using a simple screen blocker positioned at the focal plane. The screen selectively blocks stray rays while allowing reflected light to pass through, achieving the same cutoff effect without requiring thick lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical refraction system (thick lens) with a simpler blocking system (screen). Instead of using lens material thickness to control ray paths, the patent uses a screen positioned at the focal plane to selectively block unwanted rays, simplifying both the optical path and the mechanical structure.
3Illumination intensity
If direct rays reach the projection optical system, then the projected light beam is formed, but the beam quality is degraded by stray light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a screen as an intermediary element positioned between the light source and the projection optical system. This screen acts as a mediator that selectively blocks harmful direct rays while allowing the useful reflected light to pass through to the projection lens, thus improving beam quality without interfering with the primary lighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of direct rays (which normally degrade beam quality) into a beneficial blocking function. By positioning the screen to intercept these direct rays, the system transforms what would be unwanted stray light into a controlled blocking mechanism that improves overall beam quality.
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 reduces the screen's size and height, preventing interference with reflected light rays and simplifying production, while maintaining optical precision and industrial applicability.
Implementation Method 1
a collector with a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light rays in a reflected light beam along an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a screen which is in front of the light source, along a main direction of propagation of the reflected light beam, and is configured to gather light rays coming directly from the source, referred to as direct rays
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a light module including a light source capable of emitting light rays, a plate bearing the light source, a collector with a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light rays into a reflected light beam along an optical axis, an optical system configured to project the reflected light beam by imaging a portion of the reflective surface, a screen located in front of the light source, in a main direction of propagation of the reflected light beam, and configured to collect light rays coming directly from the source, which rays are referred to as direct rays. The screen extends in a transverse direction with a constant cross-section and is arranged on the plate.