Cylindrical Rotatable Lens Optical Unit for Vehicle Lamp Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical units for vehicle lamps require significant space due to the motor placement behind a disc-shaped lens, limiting the design flexibility and efficiency in forming predetermined light distribution patterns.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical rotatable lens is used where light from a source is incident via the inner circumferential surface and output via the outer circumferential surface, allowing for a periodical movement to form a predetermined irradiated area, reducing the size of the light source and optimizing space usage by aligning the rotary shaft with the vehicle's width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a disc-shaped lens with rotation axis parallel to light axis is used, then the lens can output light as an irradiating beam, but the motor must be provided behind the lens requiring significant space in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional lens configuration by using a cylindrical lens with its rotation axis perpendicular to the light axis instead of parallel. This inversion allows the motor to be positioned laterally rather than behind the lens, fundamentally changing the spatial arrangement and reducing longitudinal space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a disc-shaped lens (2D circular aperture) to a cylindrical lens, changing the dimensional configuration. This allows the rotation axis to be oriented perpendicular to the light axis, enabling motor placement in a different spatial dimension (lateral rather than longitudinal) and optimizing space utilization
2Ease of operation
If a disc-shaped lens is used with motor behind it, then the lens can be rotated to scan light, but the overall device size increases due to space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the lens geometry from disc-shaped to cylindrical with perpendicular axis orientation, the patent enables compact integration while preserving rotational scanning capability. The motor can now drive rotation without requiring excessive longitudinal space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the light source within the cylindrical lens structure itself, merging previously separate components (lens and light source) into a unified assembly. This reduces overall device size while maintaining scanning functionality
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 configuration enables a wider and more efficient light distribution pattern with reduced space requirements, allowing for a simpler and more compact optical unit design, and the ability to adjust brightness in specific areas of the irradiated zone.
Implementation Method 1
a light output from the light source is incident via an inner circumferential surface and is output via an outer circumferential surface as an irradiating beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit includes a cylindrical rotatable lens and a light source provided in the rotatable lens. The rotatable lens is configured such that a light output from the light source is incident via an inner circumferential surface and is output via an outer circumferential surface as an irradiating beam, and a predetermined irradiated area is formed by scanning a space in front with the irradiating beam according to a periodical movement of the rotatable lens.