Curved Vehicle Light Guide with Segmented Reflection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light-emitting apparatuses for vehicles, such as day running lights (DRLs), have complex structures and large volumes due to their curved design and the need for multiple light source and heat dissipation units, limiting design freedom and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting apparatus with a simplified structure and reduced volume, featuring a light guide member with light source units at opposite ends, a first reflection unit, and multiple light output units with varying second reflection units and wavelength conversion units, allowing for improved design flexibility and reduced heat dissipation area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional LED-based light-emitting apparatus is used for curved vehicle design, then adaptability to curved designs is improved, but device complexity and volume increase due to multiple light source and heat dissipation units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to curved vehicle designsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus segments the light source configuration by using a single light source unit that emits light in multiple directions toward different light output units, rather than requiring multiple light sources for each output position. This segmentation of the lighting function reduces structural complexity while maintaining adaptability to curved vehicle designs through the strategic placement of reflection units and light output units along the curved surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional LED-based light-emitting apparatus is used for curved vehicle design, then adaptability to curved designs is improved, but device complexity and volume increase due to multiple light source and heat dissipation units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to curved vehicle designsVSAvoidapparatus volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple lighting functions into a single light source unit that serves multiple light output units simultaneously. By combining the lighting function for multiple positions into one source and using reflection units to redirect light, the apparatus reduces its overall volume while maintaining adaptability to curved vehicle designs. The single light source unit replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate light sources and their associated heat dissipation units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If multiple light source units are used to maintain luminance across light output units, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat dissipation area and device volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance at light output unitsVSAvoidheat dissipation area
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces reflection units as intermediary elements that redirect light from a single light source unit to multiple light output units. This intermediary mechanism allows one light source to effectively illuminate multiple positions without requiring multiple light sources, thereby maintaining luminance across all output units while significantly reducing the heat dissipation area needed. The reflection units act as mediators that distribute light efficiently throughout the curved apparatus structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 improved design freedom, reduced volume, and simplified structure, enabling efficient light distribution and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining high luminance and adaptability to curved vehicle designs.

Implementation Method 1

a first reflection unit disposed on a first inner surface portion of the light guide member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second reflection unit disposed with facing the first reflection unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a wavelength conversion unit disposed on the second reflection unit to convert a wavelength of light and to output converted light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3232240B1Light-emitting apparatus and illumination apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3232240B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3232240B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP3232240B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

A light-emitting apparatus is disclosed. The light-emitting apparatus includes at least one light guide member, at least one light source unit disposed at at least one of two opposite end portions of the light guide member, a first reflection unit disposed on a first inner surface portion of the light guide member, and a plurality of light output units disposed on a second inner surface portion of the light guide member, located opposite the first inner surface portion, while being spaced apart from each other.