Fiber Optic Signal Light Layout for Uniform Segmented Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal lights for motor vehicles struggle to produce two distinct light functions, such as white daytime running lights and yellow blinker lights, with uniform brightness and efficient light distribution, especially when one function is animated, as they often compromise homogeneity and efficiency due to the use of fiber optic rods and reflectors.
Innovation Solution
A signal light design featuring a fiber optic rod with rear walls and side walls that deflect light at a steep angle, preventing undesired refraction, allowing for a segmented light function to pass laterally through the rod with a light distribution similar to the non-segmented function, while maintaining efficiency in the other light function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a fiber optic rod is used to generate light functions, then homogeneity of brightness is improved, but segmentation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic rod is segmented into multiple light-emitting segments along its longitudinal extension, allowing different segments to be independently controlled for animated effects while maintaining overall homogeneity through the fiber optic material properties
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the fiber optic rod are assigned different lighting functions (e.g., daytime running lights vs. blinker effects) with localized control, enabling both homogeneous appearance and segmented functionality simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If reflectors or direct imaging lenses are used to segment the light emitting surface, then segmentation capability is improved, but homogeneity of brightness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the segmentation function from traditional reflectors/lenses and implements it directly within the fiber optic rod structure, eliminating the need for separate segmentation components that compromise homogeneity
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation capability is merged into the fiber optic rod itself through internal结构设计, combining the light transmission properties of fiber optics with segmented control in a single integrated component
3Adaptability or versatility
If two light functions with different colors are obtained from the same light emitting surface, then versatility is improved, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic rod is designed to support multiple lighting functions (daytime running lights and blinker effects) with different colors from the same physical structure, achieving versatility without compromising uniformity through careful optical design
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the fiber optic rod emit different colors by controlling the emission parameters of LED chips at different locations, maintaining uniform light distribution while achieving multi-color functionality
4Adaptability or versatility
If the segmented light function passes through the fiber optic rod, then use of same light emitting surface is improved, but intensity maximum positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal light transmission through the fiber optic rod to lateral light emission from the side walls, creating a new dimensional approach that eliminates intensity maximum positioning issues while maintaining versatile use of the light emitting surface
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 achieves uniform brightness and higher intensities in the center of the light distribution for both functions without reducing the efficiency of the fiber optic rod, ensuring a consistent and efficient light output for both static and animated light functions.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic rod (10) which is designed to generate two light functions
Implementation Method 2
a row of light deflection elements (24) on a rear surface (22) of the fiber optic rod (10)... deflect light at a steep angle, preventing undesired refraction
Implementation Method 3
a convex light emitting surface (20)... achieves uniform brightness and higher intensities in the center of the light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a signal light for a motor vehicle that has a fiber optic rod, which has a light emitting surface and a rear surface, in which deflection elements are located, and which has two side walls, and numerous pairs of reflectors and light sources, which are in a row in the rear surface, and which project light bundles through the fiber optic rod, transverse thereto. The fiber optic rod has two rear walls, each of which has deflection element edge and side wall edge, and extends longitudinally between the deflection elements and the side walls. The side wall edges are further apart than the deflection element edges in a cross section of the fiber optic rod that is transverse to the longitudinal direction thereof.