Vehicle Headlight Light Guide Lens for Regional Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle headlight systems require a large number of parts to form different light distribution patterns based on country or area, leading to increased costs and manufacturing complexity, as well as difficulties in integrating additional lighting units in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting unit utilizing a single light guide lens with a first and second reflecting surface, allowing for the formation of multiple light distribution patterns by selectively applying reflecting surfaces on the lens faces, reducing the number of parts required and enabling adaptable light projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical units are used to form different light distribution patterns, then the light distribution patterns can be optimized according to country or area, but the number of parts increases substantially, increasing parts costs and manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical units into a single integrated headlight assembly. The housing contains multiple light sources (halogen lamps, LEDs, position lamps, turn signal lamps) and optical components (reflectors, lenses, prisms) that work together as one unified system, eliminating the need for separate headlight units for different countries or areas
Solution Approach 2:
The single headlight assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides main beam lighting, position lighting, turn signal indication, and fog lighting. The optical system can generate different light distribution patterns (cut-off beam, fog beam, turn signal) using the same physical components, making the headlight universal for different regional requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical units are used to form different light distribution patterns, then different light distribution patterns can be achieved, but the number of parts increases, leading to increased manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical units into a single headlight assembly, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. The integrated design allows for streamlined production processes and reduced manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall system is integrated, the patent uses segmentation within the optical system - dividing the headlight into functional zones (upper beam, lower beam, fog light, turn signal) that can be independently configured. This allows for flexible light distribution patterns without requiring separate physical units
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical units are used to form different light distribution patterns, then different light distribution patterns can be formed, but many spaces are required for installing the respective optical units, making it difficult to include other lighting units in a limited area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting functions into a single compact headlight assembly, significantly reducing the space required for installation. By integrating position lamps, turn signal lamps, fog lamps, and main beam lamps into one unit, the overall vehicle lighting system occupies less space while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The headlight assembly employs a nested arrangement where different optical components are positioned within the same housing space. Light sources, reflectors, lenses, and prisms are arranged in concentric or layered configurations, maximizing the use of available space and allowing multiple lighting functions in a compact form factor
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 allows for optimized light distribution patterns with fewer parts, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and enabling the integration of additional lighting units by using a single light guide lens, which can project combined or separate light distribution patterns tailored to specific regions like North America and Europe.
Implementation Method 1
the first reflecting surface can be configured to reflect part of the light having been passed through the light incident face and direct the light to the light exiting face to project the light forward
Implementation Method 2
the second reflecting surface can be configured to reflect part of the light having been passed through the light incident face and direct the light to the light exiting face to project the light forward
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting unit serving as a vehicle headlight can form a light distribution pattern optimized according to the country or the area with a smaller number of parts when compared with the conventional vehicle headlights of this type. Further, there can be provided a light guide lens for use in such a vehicle lighting unit.