Dual-function luminous module for optical vehicle lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light modules for motor vehicle front lighting and signaling struggle with non-homogeneous light distribution due to the narrowness of the transparent body, leading to 'hot spots' and increased module volume, making integration into front units challenging.
Innovation Solution
A light module design featuring first and second color-emitting means arranged on a support plate with a substantially flat transparent light guide, incorporating diffusing optical elements and optical collimators to ensure homogeneous light emission, with the light guide extending perpendicularly and merging with the support plate's median plane, allowing for more diodes and diffusing elements to achieve uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a narrow transparent body is used in the light module, then the module volume is reduced, but the light distribution becomes non-homogeneous with hot spots appearing
Solution Approach 1:
Diffusing optical elements are introduced as intermediary components between the light sources and the transparent body. These elements mediate the light transmission process by scattering and redistributing the light rays, thereby eliminating hot spots and achieving homogeneous light distribution while maintaining the compact module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies diffusing optical elements at specific locations where light concentration problems occur. By locally modifying the light transmission properties at critical points, the patent achieves uniform overall illumination without requiring a complete redesign of the entire optical system.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light-emitting diodes are placed on the support plate, then the light coverage is improved, but the beam angle causes wide diffusion and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent body acts as an intermediary optical element that redirects and focuses the wide-angle LED light. By carefully designing the transparent body's geometry and optical properties, the patent converts the wide diffusion into directed light paths, improving coverage while reducing energy losses through controlled refraction and reflection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the transparent body is made substantially flat, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the integration into front lighting blocks becomes difficult due to increased volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by extending the transparent body perpendicularly from the support plate. This vertical extension allows the optical function to be achieved within a compact footprint, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring compatibility with front lighting block integration requirements.
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 solution provides a homogeneous luminosity at the exit face, reducing 'hot spots' and enabling a more compact design suitable for integration into vehicle front lighting units, meeting regulatory requirements for daytime running and direction indicator functions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of diffusing optical elements, interposed between said diodes and said transparent body so as to split the light rays emanating from each diode into a more homogeneous emission cone
Implementation Method 2
the external end of each said diffusing optical element carries an optical collimator capable of concentrating the light beam from the corresponding diode before its entry into this optical element
Implementation Method 3
a light guide having a transparent body that is substantially flat and capable of transferring the light rays that feed its input surface to a front output face
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a luminous module for an optical motor-vehicle lighting and/or signalling unit, said module comprising first means (11) for emitting light rays of a first colour and second means (12) for emitting light rays of a second colour, said means being arranged on the same carrier board (10), and a light guide (20) comprising a substantially flat transparent body (21) that is able to receive said light rays of different colours coming from said first and second light-emitting means (11, 12) and to guide them toward the same front exit face (21A); characterised in that said first and second emitting means (11, 12) have emission axes (A1, A2) that are substantially perpendicular to the midplane of said transparent body (21), and are respectively arranged on either side of said transparent body (21) so that the light rays thereof penetrate into this body via two opposite entrance faces (21C, 21D) of the latter.