Curved Light Pipe Assembly for Compact Long-Distance Light Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices face challenges with space constraints, requiring larger light guides that reduce light efficiency and increase cost due to bulkiness and high power consumption, especially when transmitting light over longer distances.
Innovation Solution
A light pipe assembly with a curved structure that includes a first section for receiving light, a second section for internal reflection, and a third section with optical structures to change light direction, allowing for flexible arrangement and efficient light distribution in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a bigger light guide is used to transmit light over longer distances, then the light transmission distance is improved, but the light efficiency decreases due to light loss and the device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is designed with a curved structure instead of a straight linear path. The curvature allows the light to be redirected through total internal reflection at optimized angles, maintaining transmission efficiency while achieving longer effective transmission distances. The curved geometry creates multiple reflection points that preserve light intensity without requiring increased guide size.
2Length of stationary object
If a bigger light guide is used to transmit light over longer distances, then the light transmission distance is improved, but the device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The curved configuration of the light guide allows it to fit within compact device volumes while achieving extended light transmission distances. The curvature enables the light guide to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently, routing light through a longer path without increasing the overall device footprint or requiring additional space.
3Illumination intensity
If a high power light source is used to maintain light output efficiency, then the light output efficiency is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved light guide structure optimizes light propagation through controlled total internal reflection, minimizing light loss along the transmission path. This efficient light routing allows the use of lower power light sources while maintaining the required light output intensity, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving illumination efficiency.
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 light pipe assembly provides homogeneous light distribution and reduces space requirements, enabling flexible integration into automotive lighting arrangements without significant design changes, while maintaining light intensity and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the second section being configured to transmit the received light in a first direction towards the shaping optical structure by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
the light incident surface is configured to change direction of light in a direction different from the first direction and towards the light exit surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a light pipe assembly and a lighting and/or signaling device including the light pipe assembly. The light pipe assembly includes a first section configured to receive light from a light source, a second section extending from the first section, and a third section extending from the second section. The second section consists of a shaping optical structure that is disposed at a side opposite to the first section and integrated within the light pipe. The second section being configured to transmit the received light in a first direction towards the shaping optical structure by total internal reflection. The third section being curved is configured to receive light from the shaping optical structure, and is configured to change direction of light in a direction different from the first direction and towards a light exit surface.