Compact Vehicle LED Lighting Device with Integrated Collimator and Refractive Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting devices are bulky, complex, and inflexible, requiring large reflecting elements and complex structures, which limits their customization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact modular lighting device featuring a refractive lens and a collimator element made of light-pervious material, with a focal point between them, and a relief edge to define photometric profiles, allowing for flexible configuration and efficient light distribution without intercepting the light beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large reflecting elements and complex structures are used in vehicle lighting devices, then light distribution control is improved, but device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collimator element and refractive lens into a single integrated optical system. The collimator element collects light from the LED source and the refractive lens shapes the light distribution, merging two optical functions into one compact assembly, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective light control
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple lighting functions (driving light, position light, turn signal, stop light) through a single LED source and integrated optical components. The refractive lens can be configured with different photometric profiles to achieve various lighting patterns, eliminating the need for separate lighting devices for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized lighting devices are created for each lighting function, then lighting function precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single lighting device incorporates multiple lighting functions (driving light, position light, turn signal, stop light) through one LED source and integrated optical system. The refractive lens can be designed with different photometric profiles to achieve various lighting patterns, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device can dynamically switch between different lighting functions by controlling the LED output and optical configuration. The system adapts its light distribution characteristics to fulfill different lighting requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple separate devices
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional lighting device structures are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but device size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator element and refractive lens are merged into an integrated optical system that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module. This integration reduces the overall device volume while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized production processes for the combined optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are arranged in a nested configuration where the collimator element and refractive lens are positioned closely together along the optical axis. This nested arrangement minimizes the longitudinal dimension of the device, creating a compact structure that is easier to manufacture and install
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 a non-bulky, cost-effective, and customizable lighting system that optimizes light usage and optical performance while enabling various lighting functions with reduced production complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator element (6) arranged in a position close to, and substantially at, the LED light source (2)... designed to collect the entire light beam (4) emitted by the light source (2) in order to then concentrate the light beam (4) in a focal point F
Implementation Method 2
an optical system (3) for collecting and distributing according to a desired photometric profile... a light beam (4) produced by the LED light source (2)... a refractive lens (5) arranged in front of the LED light source (2)
Implementation Method 3
a relief (7), an upper edge (8) of which is arranged immediately under the optical axis X... and is further arranged at the focal point F... designed to define, when necessary, a light and dark cut-off line of the desired photometric profile
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
Lighting device (1) comprising a LED light source (2) and an optical system (3) for collecting and distributing according to a desired photometric profile a light beam produced by said LED light source; wherein the optical system comprises: a refractive lens (5) arranged in front of the LED light source and in a distal position from the LED light source; and a collimator element (6) arranged in a position close to the LED light source and designed to concentrate the light beam in a focal point (F) arranged between the collimator element and the refractive lens and lying on an optical axis (X) connecting the centre line of the collimator element with the centre line of the refractive lens.