Hybrid Light Reflector Systems for Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle lighting devices face challenges in providing both aesthetically appealing and high-intensity lighting while meeting regulatory requirements, as optical fiber lighting may not suffice for higher intensity needs and direct light sources lack the aesthetic appeal of optical fiber panels.
Innovation Solution
A light module comprising a plurality of optical fibers with a first solid state light source, a second solid state light source, and a reflector configured to direct light rays through the optical fiber panel, allowing for varying light intensities to meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards, such as in a combination tail and brake lamp module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If optical fiber lighting is used, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but lighting intensity is insufficient for higher intensity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical fiber lighting with solid state light sources and reflectors into a hybrid system. The optical fibers provide aesthetic appeal while the solid state light sources generate high-intensity light that is reflected onto the fibers, achieving both aesthetic appeal and sufficient lighting intensity for brake lamp requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module uses a composite structure combining optical fibers, solid state light sources, and reflective materials. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the aesthetic properties of optical fibers while incorporating the high-intensity capabilities of solid state lighting and reflective enhancement.
2Illumination intensity
If direct light sources are used, then lighting intensity is improved, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary between the solid state light sources and the external environment. The solid state light sources generate high-intensity light, which is then transmitted through the optical fibers to the exterior, allowing the aesthetic fiber optic panel appearance to be maintained while achieving sufficient lighting intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different functions to different parts: solid state light sources are positioned to provide high-intensity illumination, while the optical fiber panel surfaces provide the aesthetic appearance. The reflector is strategically positioned to direct light from the solid state sources onto the optical fibers, creating local functional specialization.
3Device complexity
If a single light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to meet varying intensity requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple solid state light sources that can be independently controlled to provide varying light intensities. This dynamic control capability allows the system to meet different lighting requirements (such as tail lamp versus brake lamp intensities) while maintaining a unified optical fiber panel appearance, achieving both low complexity and high adaptability.
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 enables a uniform light output that meets regulatory standards for high-intensity lamps like brake lamps while maintaining a fiber optic panel visual appearance for lower intensity lamps like tail lamps, achieving both aesthetic appeal and functional illumination within the same module.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector configured to reflect light rays transmitted from the second solid state light source towards the optical fiber panel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optical fibers configured as an optical fiber panel, wherein a first end of the plurality of optical fibers is configured into a bundle; a first solid state light source coupled to the bundle
Data Source
AI summary
A light module includes a plurality of optical fibers configured as an optical fiber panel, wherein a first end of the plurality of optical fibers is configured into a bundle; a first solid state light source coupled to the bundle; a second solid state light source; and a reflector configured to reflect light rays transmitted from the second solid state light source towards the optical fiber panel. A method of transmitting light includes transmitting a first set of light rays, via a first solid state light source, to a plurality of optical fibers of an optical fiber panel, wherein the first solid state light source is coupled to the plurality of optical fibers; transmitting a second set of light rays, via a second solid state light source, towards a reflector; and reflecting the second set of light rays from the reflector towards the optical fiber panel.