Dual-Function Vehicle Light Guide Module for Tail and Brake Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle lighting systems require separate modules for tail lamps and brake lights, leading to increased manufacturing costs, assembly time, and discomfort due to point light sources used in LED applications.

Innovation Solution

A dual-functional lighting module incorporating a light guide layer with lateral and direct solid-state light sources that emit light in different directions, allowing for both surface-illuminated and intensified illumination effects in a single module, capable of serving as both a tail lamp and brake light, with the ability to provide a blinking effect for direction lighting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple point light sources (LEDs) are gathered to generate surface light source effect, then the illumination area is increased, but the human visual perception becomes uncomfortable due to dazzling brightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination areaVSAvoidvisual discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A light guide layer is introduced as an intermediary between the point light sources and the external environment. This light guide layer receives light from multiple LEDs and redistributes it to create a uniform surface light source effect, eliminating the dazzling point sources while maintaining large illumination area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the light distribution parameters by using a light guide layer with specific optical properties. The layer transforms the spatial distribution of light from concentrated point sources to a uniform surface distribution, altering the intensity parameters to achieve comfortable illumination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If separate lighting modules are used for tail lamps and brake lights, then the illumination intensity requirements are met, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake light intensityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as tail lamp and brake light. The light guide layer can be selectively illuminated to provide different functions: uniform surface illumination for tail lamp mode and intensified light for brake light mode, eliminating the need for separate modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the tail lamp and brake light functions into a single integrated module. By combining multiple LEDs and a light guide layer, the system achieves both functions in one unit, reducing manufacturing cost and assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If separate lighting modules are used for tail lamps and brake lights, then the illumination requirements are satisfied, but the assembly working hours increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight illuminationVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines tail lamp and brake light functions into a single integrated module, reducing the number of components that need to be assembled. This merging approach directly reduces assembly working hours and simplifies the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If conventional LED point sources are used, then the lighting module structure is simple, but the illumination effect is limited to strip-shaped instead of surface-illuminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule structureVSAvoidillumination shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide layer serves as an intermediary that transforms the illumination shape from strip-shaped to surface-illuminated. By positioning LEDs on the side surfaces of the light guide layer and using optical redistribution, the system achieves a surface light source effect while maintaining relatively simple module structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The dual-functional lighting module reduces manufacturing costs and assembly time by integrating tail and brake light functions into one module, providing enhanced illumination intensity and comfort through a surface-illuminated light source with adjustable light distribution and intensity.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of lateral solid-state light sources is located on the side surface of the light guide layer and emits a first light, and the first light is guided by the side surface of the light guide layer and is led out of the top surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

the bottom surface of the light guide layer is disposed with a plurality of lower light deflection structures for reflecting and refracting the light toward the top surface of the light guide layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the bottom surface of the light guide layer is disposed with a plurality of lower light deflection structures for reflecting and refracting the light toward the top surface of the light guide layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3539825B1Vehicle dual-functional lighting module and vehicle dual-functional lighting set
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 EXCELLENCE OPTO INC
  • EP3539825B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3539825B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3F
  • EP3539825B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A vehicle dual-functional lighting module (100) is provided, including a light guide layer (10) having a top surface (10t), a bottom surface (10b) and at least one side surface (10s), one lateral solid-state light source (21) located on the side surface (10s) of the light guide layer (10) and emitting a first light (LI) in a first direction, and one direct light solid-state light source (22) located below the light guide layer (10) and emitting a second light (L2) selectively in a second direction. The first light (LI) is guided by the side surface (10s) and led out of the top surface (lOt) to present a surface-illuminated surface light source. The first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The second light (L2) is emitted toward the top surface (10t) to present an intensified light source which is located in the surface light source to selectively enhance the illumination intensity locally of the surface light source. A vehicle dual-functional lighting set (200) is also provided.