Deformable Lens Vehicle Light Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems, such as dome and reading lights, are limited by fixed beam patterns and directions, which do not provide the flexibility to adapt to different lighting needs within the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle light assembly featuring a deformable inner lens and a movable outer lens that changes shape to alter the light beam pattern from focused to scattered, allowing for user-selectable lighting modes between reading and dome light functions, utilizing a push latch switch mechanism to control the lens positions and the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed light sources and optics are used to achieve multiple beam patterns, then lighting versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable lens that can dynamically change its shape between convex and flat configurations. This dynamic transformation allows a single lens to provide multiple beam patterns (focused and scattered), replacing what would traditionally require multiple fixed lenses and light sources, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining lighting versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable lens serves multiple functions: it can focus light to create a reading light beam pattern and scatter light to create a dome light beam pattern. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated light sources and optics for each lighting mode, thereby reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the device structure
2Device complexity
If a deformable lens is used to provide multiple beam patterns, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable outer lens that acts as an intermediary mechanism to deform the inner lens. This outer lens can be positioned in different locations (first position for focused light, second position for scattered light) and mechanically pushes the inner lens to change its shape. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the operation for the user, as they only need to move the outer lens rather than directly manipulating the deformable inner lens
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable lens system is designed to automatically transition between beam patterns through the mechanical action of the movable outer lens. When the outer lens is positioned in a specific location, it automatically deforms the inner lens to the appropriate shape, eliminating the need for complex control systems or manual adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation
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
Enables versatile and adaptive lighting within the vehicle, reducing the number of components required while providing both focused reading light and general dome light functionality, enhancing overall interior illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable inner lens operatively coupled to the light source, and a movable outer lens configured to deform the inner lens
Implementation Method 2
the movable outer lens comprises a rigid lens that includes a member that pushes on the deformable inner lens when in the second position
Implementation Method 3
the deformable inner lens is configured to have a first relaxed shape as the first shape for providing focused light in a first beam pattern and is deformable to the second deformed shape to provide scattered light in a second beam
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle light assembly is provided that includes a light source, a deformable inner lens operatively coupled to the light source, and a movable outer lens configured to deform the inner lens, wherein in a first position the inner lens has a first shape and in a second position the inner lens is deformed to a second shape to change the beam pattern.