Vehicle Headlamp Light Guide Bundling for Uniform Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination devices struggle to efficiently couple and distribute light into and across light radiation bodies, resulting in uneven light distribution.

Innovation Solution

A bundling device is used to redirect light from the light output section of the light guide onto a narrower free surface of the light radiation body, utilizing a shell-like structure with tapered ends and metallized inner surfaces to deflect light, combined with light deflection elements to achieve homogeneous light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the free surface width is made smaller than the light output section diameter, then the illumination device achieves a more compact structure, but light coupling efficiency deteriorates due to light loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact structureVSAvoidlight coupling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The bundling device acts as an intermediary optical element between the light output section and the free surface. It captures light that would otherwise be lost due to the size mismatch and redirects it onto the free surface, thereby maintaining high coupling efficiency while enabling a compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bundling device changes the spatial parameters of light propagation by collecting divergent light from the light output section and redirecting it onto the smaller free surface. This parameter transformation enables efficient light coupling despite the size difference between the light output section and free surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the free surface width is made smaller than the light output section diameter, then the illumination device achieves a more compact structure, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact structureVSAvoidlight distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bundling device creates local quality variation in light distribution by directing different portions of light from the light output section to different regions of the free surface. This localized light redirection ensures uniform overall distribution while maintaining the compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If a bundling device is added to redirect light onto the free surface, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight coupling efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bundling device is implemented as a thin-walled shell structure that is simple in form but effective in function. This shell geometry provides the necessary light redirection capability while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Manufacturing precision

If the bundling device is formed as a shell with tapered end portions, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bundling device employs a shell geometry with tapered end portions that create smooth curved transitions for light redirection. This curved geometry improves light distribution uniformity by providing gradual angle changes, while the simple shell form remains relatively easy to manufacture using standard forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 ensures efficient and uniform light coupling and distribution onto the free surface of the light radiation body, enhancing the illumination device's performance.

Implementation Method 1

the bundling device is formed as a shell which encloses the light output section of the at least one light guide on the side opposite the free surface and has end portions tapering towards the free surface, wherein an inner surface of the bundling device is white or metallized for deflection of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

at least one light guide comprising a light input section and a light output section, wherein the light input section is configured to input light of at least one light source into the light guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 3

the light radiation body further comprises a light radiation surface configured to radiate light coupled into the light radiation body via the free surface out of the light radiation body in front of the illumination device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4435318B1Illumination device for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP4435318B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4435318B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Illumination device (10) for a vehicle headlamp, the illumination device comprising: - at least one light guide (100) comprising a light input section (110) and a light output section (120), - a light radiation body (200) comprising a free surface (220), wherein the light coupling out of the at least one light guide (100) can be coupled into the light radiation body (200) via the free surface (220), wherein light from at least one light source (50) can be radiated in front of the illumination device (10) via the light radiation body (200), wherein the illumination device (10) comprises a bundling device (300) configured to bundle and direct the light, which is coupled out from the light output section (120) of the at least one light guide (100), onto the free surface (220) of the light radiation body (200), so that light which is coupled out of the light output section (120) of the at least one light guide (100) and would not reach the free surface (220) due to a smaller width (W) of the free surface (220) compared to a diameter (D) of the light output section (120) of the at least one light guide (100), is deflected onto the free surface (220).