Fiber Optic Light Panel Layout for Multi-Function Vehicle Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting devices struggle to meet both technical and aesthetic requirements, often requiring numerous components and being difficult to adapt to vehicle styling, while fiber optic solutions have been limited to non-vehicular applications.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic light panel device with multiple fiber arrays and light sources, capable of emitting light in different directions and colors, integrated with optical layers and caps to provide various lighting functions and conform to vehicle design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional vehicle lighting devices use multiple components (reflectors, cut-off devices), then lighting function is achieved, but device complexity increases and adaptability to vehicle styling decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle stylingVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber optic panel serves multiple lighting functions simultaneously - it can provide tail lamp illumination, stop light function, and aesthetic lighting effects all through a single integrated panel structure, eliminating the need for separate reflectors and cut-off devices for each function

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple lighting components into a single fiber optic panel assembly, merging the functions of reflectors, light sources, and styling elements into one integrated structure that adapts to vehicle contours

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fiber optic panels are used for vehicle lighting, then aesthetic appeal and adaptability improve, but meeting regulatory lighting standards becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidcompliance with lighting standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber optic panel incorporates different optical properties in different regions - some areas have abraded fibers for diffuse scattering to meet illumination requirements, while other areas maintain smooth fibers for aesthetic appearance, allowing simultaneous compliance with lighting standards and aesthetic goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies fiber optical parameters by abrasing selected fibers to change light scattering characteristics, enabling the panel to meet minimum photometric intensity requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal through controlled light distribution patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If abraded fiber arrays are used for light scattering, then light distribution improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidabrasion control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies abrasing treatment to only specific portions of the fiber panel rather than the entire surface, allowing controlled light scattering in specific regions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through selective rather than universal treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 device meets regulatory lighting standards and enhances vehicle aesthetics by providing flexible, multi-functional lighting that adapts to vehicle contours.

Implementation Method 1

the array of fibers outputs light through at least one of an axial or planar direction of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

the array of fibers outputs light through at least one of an axial or planar direction of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3330127B1Fiber optic light panel device with plural outputs
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 VALEO NORTH AMERICA INC(US)
  • EP3330127B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3330127B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3330127B1 patent drawingFigure 7A~7C

AI summary

A lighting device for a vehicle includes a lighting module for a vehicle having a light source (20, 20a) and a panel (330) optically coupled to the light source. The panel (330) includes a plurality of fibers (44, 44a), and a first illumination region (A) of first light output for a first vehicle lighting function and a second illumination region (A') of second light output for a second vehicle lighting function.