Composite Outer Lens Structure for UV-Stable Thick Clarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a vehicle light system with a lens that appears thick and clear, free of a yellow appearance, and is protected from changing over time, with a thickness of about 3 mm or more, about 7 mm or more, or about 12 mm or less.

Innovation Solution

A light system with an outer lens composed of a first material free of ultraviolet stabilizers and a second material containing ultraviolet stabilizers, where the second material surrounds the first material, providing protection and maintaining a clear appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a thick lens is used to achieve a thick appearance, then the aesthetic and visual effect is improved, but the lens becomes more susceptible to yellowing and degradation from ultraviolet light exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens thickness appearanceVSAvoidultraviolet light degradation and yellowing

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into two distinct materials: a thick first material (acrylic, polyurethane, or polycarbonate) that provides the desired thickness and aesthetic appearance, and a second material containing ultraviolet stabilizers that protects the first material from UV degradation. This segmentation allows each material to perform its specialized function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite lens structure combining two different polymer materials with complementary properties. The first material provides optical clarity and thickness, while the second material (containing UV stabilizers) provides protection against environmental degradation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that individually address each requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If ultraviolet stabilizers are added to the lens material to prevent yellowing, then the durability and resistance to UV degradation is improved, but the lens thickness appears reduced and the clear appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to UV degradation and yellowingVSAvoidlens thickness appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The lens structure separates the functions of thickness provision and UV protection into different materials. The first material achieves the required thickness without UV stabilizers (maintaining optical clarity), while the second material provides UV protection. This segmentation ensures that UV stabilizers do not compromise the visual appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second material acts as an intermediary protective layer between the external UV environment and the first material. This intermediary layer absorbs and blocks UV radiation, protecting the first material from degradation while allowing the lens to maintain its thick, clear appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the lens is made thicker to maintain appearance over time, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and material composition requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance maintenance over timeVSAvoidmaterial composition and structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system where the first material (thick, clear polymer) provides the aesthetic appearance and the second material (with UV stabilizers) provides long-term durability. This composite approach enables appearance maintenance over time while managing manufacturing complexity through established polymer materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the compositional parameters of the lens by introducing a second material with specific UV stabilizer properties. This parameter change enables the lens to maintain its appearance over time by protecting against UV degradation, while the overall structure remains manufacturable using standard polymer materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 lens appears thick and clear, maintaining its appearance over time, while being protected from external conditions such as ultraviolet light and other environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

a second material with a second composition that includes: a polymer that includes the ultraviolet stabilizers, wherein the second material surrounds all or a portion of the first material and extends between an external environment of an automative vehicle and the first material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12553584B2Clear thick outer lens

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

An outer lens including: a first material with a first composition including: a polymer that is substantially free of ultraviolet stabilizers; and a second material with a second composition that includes: a polymer that includes the ultraviolet stabilizers, wherein the second material surrounds all or a portion of the first material and extends between an external environment of an automative vehicle and the first material.