Dynamic Reflector Unit for Concealing Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices and headlights suffer from the issue of the light source being visible from the outside when switched off, particularly with semiconductor lasers interacting with conversion units, leading to a yellowish appearance and increased aging of components due to external light exposure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an absorber element and utilizing the reflector unit to assume an absorber position when the light source is deactivated, deflecting external light and internal radiation to the absorber element, ensuring it is absorbed rather than reflected, thus preventing external light from interacting with internal components and maintaining the light source's concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the light source is made visible through the light exit aperture, then the lighting device can be operated and maintained more easily, but the light source appears yellowish when switched off and components age faster due to external light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector unit is made dynamically adjustable between different positions (operating position and absorber position) based on the operational state of the light source. When the light source is active, the reflector directs light through the exit aperture for illumination. When inactive, the reflector rotates to an absorber position to block external light from reaching internal components, thus preventing yellowish appearance and aging while maintaining ease of operation during active use.
2Illumination intensity
If the reflector unit is used to direct light to the emission aperture during operation, then illumination function is achieved, but the same reflector path allows external light to reach internal components when switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector unit dynamically changes its orientation based on operational requirements. During illumination, it is positioned to reflect light from the source through the exit aperture. When the light source is switched off, the reflector unit rotates to an absorber position where it blocks external light from entering the housing and reaching internal components, thus maintaining illumination function while preventing harmful light exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorber element acts as an intermediary component that intercepts external light before it can reach sensitive internal components. When the reflector unit is in absorber position, it directs external light onto the absorber element, which absorbs the light energy and prevents it from interacting with internal components, thus protecting them from aging while maintaining the illumination pathway when needed.
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
This solution effectively reduces unwanted effects from external light exposure, prevents the light source and conversion units from being visible, and protects components from aging by absorbing external light, enhancing the functionality and appearance of lighting devices.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber element is provided which is designed to absorb received light
Implementation Method 2
the reflector unit is configured to assume an absorber position by means of an absorber signal in which the light emitted by the light source and/or light entering the lighting device from the outside through the light exit aperture can be deflected to the absorber
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (10) with a light source (12), a light emission aperture (14), and a reflector unit (16) arranged between the light source (12) and the light emission aperture (14), the reflector unit being controllable with respect to its reflection position by means of a control signal, wherein the reflector unit (16) is configured to assume an operating position (18) by means of an operating control signal in which light (20) emitted by the light source (12) can be deflected to the light emission aperture (14), wherein the lighting device (10) has an absorber element (22) configured to absorb received light, and wherein the reflector unit (16) is configured to assume an absorber position (24) by means of an absorber signal in which the light (20) emitted by the light source (12) and/or light entering the lighting device (10) from the outside through the light emission aperture (14) is directed to the light emission aperture (14). Absorber element (22) is deflectable.