DRL and Turn Signal Light Assembly With Mixed LED Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting assemblies struggle to efficiently integrate both Daytime Running Light (DRL) and Turn signal functions in a compact space while maintaining aesthetic appeal and reducing the number of LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly comprising alternating arrays of white and amber LEDs, adjacent light pipes, and an optical sheet with perpendicular light modifying elements, controlled by a controller to perform DRL and turn signal functions, which blends light output for efficient and aesthetically pleasing lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate LED assemblies are used for DRL and turn signal functions, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines DRL and turn signal functions into a single light assembly by integrating white LEDs (for DRL) and amber LEDs (for turn signals) in alternating positions within the same array, sharing common optical components including light pipes, optical sheets, and reflectors. This merging approach maintains functional reliability while reducing device complexity and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit where the same physical structure serves multiple purposes: the alternating LED array provides both DRL illumination and turn signal indication, the light pipes serve both functions simultaneously, and the optical sheet modifies light for both DRL and turn signal operations. This universality reduces the overall number of components required.
2Illumination intensity
If more LEDs are used to ensure sufficient light output, then illumination intensity is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light pipes as intermediary optical components that collect and guide light from the alternating white and amber LED arrays. The light pipes efficiently transport and distribute light across the assembly, allowing sufficient illumination intensity to be achieved with fewer LEDs by optimizing light distribution through the intermediary light pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes illumination efficiency by changing optical parameters through the use of optical sheets with specific refractive indices and reflector geometries. These parameter changes enhance light extraction and distribution efficiency, allowing the system to achieve high illumination intensity with a reduced number of LEDs compared to conventional direct-emission designs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If light modifying elements are added to achieve uniform light distribution, then homogeneity of illumination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light modifying elements (optical sheets and reflectors) at specific locations within the light assembly where they are most effective. The optical sheet is positioned to modify light from the entire LED array uniformly, while reflectors are strategically placed behind individual LED groups to optimize local light distribution. This localized application achieves uniform illumination without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity.
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
Reduces the number of LEDs required for DRL functionality while ensuring high-intensity and uniform lighting, providing both DRL and turn signal functions with enhanced visual consistency and customizable lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light pipe disposed adjacent to the plurality of LEDs
Implementation Method 2
an optical sheet disposed adjacent the at least one light pipe, wherein the optical sheet includes a plurality of light modifying elements
Implementation Method 3
the light modifying elements are configured for diffusing light along a longitudinal direction of the light pipe for smoothing light
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of first color light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a plurality of second color LEDs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A light source comprises an array of both white and amber LEDs (120, 125). One or more light pipes (110) are disposed adjacent the array of LEDs. An optical sheet (105) 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.