DRL-Turn Light Assembly With Alternating LEDs and Light Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting assemblies struggle to efficiently combine Daytime Running Light (DRL) and Turn signal functions while providing uniform and high-intensity light output, and lack flexibility in lighting effects.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly comprising alternating arrays of first and second color LEDs, light pipes, and optical sheets with perpendicular light modifying elements, controlled by a controller to achieve DRL and turn functions with smooth light diffusion and customizable lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional separate DRL and turn signal assemblies are used, then each function can be independently optimized, but the overall device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines DRL and turn signal functions into a single light assembly by integrating amber LEDs with white LEDs in alternating positions. The light pipe and optical sheet are shared between both functions, reducing the total number of LEDs and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining separate controllability for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe and optical sheet serve multiple functions: they guide and distribute light for both DRL operation (white LEDs only) and turn signal operation (amber and white LEDs). This multi-functional design allows a single optical system to support different lighting modes without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
2Illumination intensity
If more white LEDs are used for DRL function, then sufficient light output is achieved, but the aesthetic appeal and color consistency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different LED colors at different positions within the same assembly - amber LEDs at certain positions and white LEDs at alternating positions. This local differentiation allows the DRL function to achieve sufficient brightness from white LEDs while the amber LEDs enhance aesthetic appeal during turn signal operation, creating visual interest without compromising light output.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact light assembly design is implemented, then space is reduced, but the optical quality and light distribution uniformity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light pipe with optical sheets that distribute light in multiple dimensions. The alternating arrangement of amber and white LEDs creates a three-dimensional light distribution pattern that maintains uniformity across the assembly face. The optical sheet diffuses light from multiple LED sources in different directions, achieving even illumination despite the compact alternating LED configuration.
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 efficient blending of light colors for DRL and turn signals with uniform intensity, allowing for customizable and visually consistent lighting patterns, enhancing vehicle visibility and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light pipe disposed adjacent to the plurality of LEDs
Implementation Method 2
a light pipe assembly with a light emitting diode (LED) light source at one end. The pipe has a surface with an emitting portion
Implementation Method 3
an optical sheet disposed adjacent the at least one light pipe, wherein the optical sheet includes a plurality of light modifying elements
Implementation Method 4
the light modifying elements include a lenticular sheet wherein one side of the lenticular sheet has at least one lens
Implementation Method 5
a first plurality of LEDs of a first color; a second plurality of LEDs of a second color
Implementation Method 6
a light emitting diode (LED) light source
Data Source
AI summary
A light source comprises an array of both white and amber LEDs. One or more light pipes are disposed adjacent the array of LEDs. An optical sheet is disposed adjacent the light pipe(s) wherein light modifying elements of the optical sheet are aligned perpendicular to the array of LEDs. During DRL activation, both white and amber LEDs illuminate, altering the output from a bluish-white to a warmer tone by integrating the amber LEDs with the white ones. The turn signal function exclusively illuminates the amber LEDs. This design significantly reduces the necessary number of white LEDs for a compliant DRL function while ensuring efficiency and an aesthetically pleasing lighting assembly in a compact space.