Compact Vehicle Interior Optics for Low-Luminance Pixelated Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior lighting devices in motor vehicles face challenges of miniaturization due to shrinking space and the potential eye safety risks posed by high-luminance, pixelated light sources.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a diffuser and optical assembly that reduces luminance while preserving pixelation, achieved through a homothetic transformation and isotropic diffusion of light rays, increasing the geometric extent of the light beam, and using anamorphic optics to create a larger real image of the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If pixelated and high-luminance light sources are used to meet dimensional constraints, then the size of lighting devices is reduced and manufacturing costs are lowered, but the luminance becomes too high posing risks to human eyes and harming user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element between the high-luminance pixelated light source and the passenger compartment. The diffuser has a first face receiving light from the source and a second face emitting diffused light, effectively mediating the transition from high-luminance concentrated light to low-luminance distributed light, thereby eliminating eye risks while preserving the compact light source design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the luminance parameter of the light source by introducing the diffuser element. The diffuser transforms the light propagation characteristics, converting the high-luminance concentrated beam into low-luminance diffused light distributed over a larger area, thus modifying the critical luminance parameter to meet safety and comfort requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interior lighting devices are installed to provide various lighting functions, then lighting functionality is enhanced, but the available space in the passenger compartment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lighting module that can perform multiple lighting functions through a single integrated device. The compact optical system with pixelated light source and diffuser can be configured to provide different lighting zones and functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate lighting devices and thereby preserving passenger compartment space while maintaining versatile lighting capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple lighting functions into a single integrated lighting device. By combining the light source, optical assembly, and diffuser into one compact unit, the system consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, thus enhancing functionality while reducing the total space occupied in the passenger compartment
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 optical system achieves a compact design, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures compatibility with vehicle interiors by lowering luminance without altering pixelation, making it safe for occupant use.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser (11) configured to diffuse incident light rays (8b) of a light beam (8) generated by a light source (2)
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly (10) configured to project a real image of the light source (2) onto the diffuser (11)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system (1) and an interior lighting device (3) for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (2) coupled to such an optical system (1). The optical system (1) includes a first part (101) of an optical assembly (10) that magnifies and projects a real image (4) of the light source (2) near a diffuser (11) of the optical system (1). The optical assembly (10) of the optical system (1) also includes a second part (102) that acts as a projection lens to project a real image of the light source (2) formed near the diffuser (11) out of said optical system (1).The optical system (1) according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the luminance of the light source (2) of the interior lighting device (3) while retaining its pixelation, thus making it possible to use in motor vehicle interiors light sources based on light-emitting diodes and driven by a high amperage electric current without risk to the occupants of said interiors.