Curved Reflection Surface for Light Guide Element Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing light guide elements face challenges in efficiently coupling light emitted by a light source due to suboptimal design of the coupling section, leading to inefficient light distribution in applications such as motor vehicle lighting.
Innovation Solution
The light guide element features a coupling section with an inclined reflection surface, shaped by rotating a base curve like a parabola, which directs light emitted by the source into the element, ensuring efficient coupling and distribution. This surface is defined by a spatial reference system with perpendicular axes, allowing for targeted light deflection and bundling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional coupling section design is used, then the structure is simple, but the light coupling efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the conventional flat coupling section with a curved reflection surface. The curved surface is generated by rotating a base curve (parabola, hyperbola, ellipse, or circular arc) around an axis, creating a three-dimensional curved geometry that effectively directs light from the light source into the light guide element, thereby improving light coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coupling section by defining specific mathematical curves (parabola, hyperbola, ellipse, circular arc) with controlled curvature radii and focal points. These parameter changes optimize the light reflection and coupling characteristics, enabling efficient light distribution while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
2Loss of energy
If the distance between surfaces decreases towards the origin, then light coupling efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curved reflection surface with controlled curvature radius provides a gradual transition in surface distance, avoiding abrupt changes that would be difficult to manufacture. The mathematical definition of the base curve allows for precise control of the curvature profile, balancing light coupling efficiency with manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
By selecting appropriate parameters for the base curve (curvature radius, focal length, vertex position), the patent optimizes the distance profile between surfaces. These parameter adjustments ensure that the distance decreases smoothly towards the origin, improving light coupling while remaining within achievable manufacturing tolerances.
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
This design significantly enhances the efficiency of light coupling and distribution, enabling a uniform and effective light output for various lighting functions, including motor vehicle headlamps and rear lights.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling section of the light guide element is assigned at least one reflection surface which reflects at least part of the light emitted by the at least one light source for coupling into the light guide element
Implementation Method 2
The light guide element comprises a coupling-in section for coupling in the light, totally reflecting outer boundary surfaces and a coupling-out section for coupling out the light
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plate-shaped optical fiber element (2) extending in a plane and made of a transparent material for deflecting the light emitted by at least one light source (32). The optical fiber element (2) comprises an input section (6), totally reflective outer interfaces, and an output section (12). Two spaced-apart, opposing surfaces (8, 10) of the optical fiber element form the totally reflective interfaces. The contour of the surfaces (8, 10) is defined by a curved section and a secant section. A curved side surface connecting the surfaces (8, 10) along the curved section forms the output section (12). A flat side surface connecting the surfaces (8, 10) along the secant section forms the input section (6).In order to enable efficient coupling of light from the light source (32), it is proposed that the coupling section (6) be associated with a reflective surface (18; 18') that is at least partially inclined, which directs at least part of the light emitted by the at least one light source (32) onto the coupling area (6) for coupling into the light guide element (2).