Concentric Lighting Module with Conical Mirror for 3D Optical Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting modules for motor vehicle brake and tail lights with 3D optical effects are inefficient in terms of fabrication and material costs due to complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A concentric lighting module utilizing a conical mirror with a cylindrical output part, a parabolic collimator, and a lens, featuring total internal light reflection surfaces and light scattering elements, which reduces material intensity and enhances the 3D optical effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a curved reflector with a system of openings is used to create 3D optical lighting effect, then the 3D optical lighting effect is achieved, but the fabrication and material intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex curved reflector structure and replaces it with simpler optical components: a light guide with total internal reflection surfaces and a conical mirror. This extraction eliminates the need for the elaborate system of openings and curved reflector geometry while maintaining the 3D optical effect through a more manufacturable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical path that copies the essential function of the complex reflector system. Instead of physically replicating the curved reflector geometry, it uses a light guide with total internal reflection to guide light along a similar path, achieving the same 3D effect with simpler, more manufacturable components.
2Illumination intensity
If a curved reflector with multiple light reflection cycles is used, then multiple light traces are created, but the material and fabrication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light guide into distinct functional zones: an input region, a total internal reflection region with angled surfaces, and an output region with a conical mirror. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled, significantly reducing fabrication complexity and cost compared to a monolithic curved reflector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical curved reflector structure with an optical system based on total internal reflection principles. The light guide uses refractive index differences and angled surfaces to redirect light, eliminating the need for complex mechanical shaping and reducing material requirements while achieving multiple light traces.
3Illumination intensity
If a complex reflector system is used to direct light, then the 3D optical effect is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from complex curved surface geometry to controlled angular surfaces at standard angles (e.g., 45 degrees) for total internal reflection. These standardized angles can be manufactured with conventional precision, eliminating the need for high-precision custom curved surface fabrication while maintaining the 3D optical effect.
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 results in lower fabrication and material costs while providing a superior 3D optical light effect, improving the aesthetic and functional performance of motor vehicle lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a total internal light reflection surface, whose bottom part forms an optical channel
Implementation Method 2
the conical mirror has its angle of rotation in the range of 1° to 360° and in the cross section drawn by the concentric axis of the module, in the region opposite the offsets of the output part of the light guide, it has the shape of a straight line and/or a concave curve and/or a convex curve, such that it reflects the decoupled light
Implementation Method 3
a lens and applied by its input part against the light source of the module
Implementation Method 4
the collimator part of the light guide, formed by a parabolic collimator and a lens
Implementation Method 5
the active light guiding surface of the light guide is supplemented by light scattering elements or speckling or it is formed of scattering material in any given manner
Data Source
AI summary
A concentric lighting module with conical mirror for creating of a three-dimensional optical effect, especially in the outer brake and tail lights of a motor vehicle, has in the peripheral region of the conical mirror (3) a cylindrical output part (2c) of a light guide (2) provided by at least one offset (2d) on its outer side, which terminates in an active surface (2e) and which couples in the region beyond the conical mirror (3) to the collimator part (2b) of the light guide (2), formed by a parabolic collimator and a lens and applied by its input part (2a) against the light source (1) of the module, and at the transition between the collimator part (2b) and the output part (2c) of the light guide (2) the module is provided with a total internal light reflection surface (4), whose bottom part also forms an optical prism (4a).