Motor Vehicle Lamp Primary Optical Element Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle lamp primary optical elements face thermal stress due to semiconductor light sources, leading to overheating, material limitations, and temperature-related discoloration, restricting the choice of materials to expensive and temperature-resistant options.
Innovation Solution
A light generating arrangement that cools the primary optical element using a cooling fluid, allowing it to be made of materials with low thermal resistance, such as polycarbonate, and positioning it close to the light source with a gap for effective cooling, using ambient air or a fan for passive or active convection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the primary optical element is made of temperature-resistant material to withstand thermal stress from the light source, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling channel that leads cooling fluid to the primary optical element before overheating occurs. This preliminary cooling action prevents thermal stress accumulation, allowing the use of cost-effective materials like polycarbonate instead of expensive temperature-resistant materials, while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fluid acts as an intermediary between the heat source (light source) and the primary optical element. It absorbs heat and transports it away, mediating the thermal interaction and enabling the primary optical element to operate at lower temperatures without requiring expensive heat-resistant materials
2Use of energy by moving object
If the primary optical element is positioned very close to the light source to collect maximum light, then the light collection efficiency is improved, but the thermal stress on the primary optical element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the space between the light source and primary optical element by introducing a cooling channel. This allows the primary optical element to be positioned close to the light source for efficient light collection while the cooling channel provides thermal separation, preventing heat transfer to the primary optical element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cooling fluid (liquid or gas) flowing through a cooling channel to manage thermal stress. The hydraulic/pneumatic system transports heat away from the primary optical element, enabling close positioning for light collection without thermal damage
3Temperature
If expensive temperature-resistant materials are used for the primary optical element, then the temperature resistance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channel provides preliminary cooling to the primary optical element, preventing temperature rise before it reaches levels that would require expensive temperature-resistant materials. This allows the use of cost-effective materials like polycarbonate while maintaining temperature resistance through active cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the primary optical element by introducing active cooling. This shifts the operating temperature to lower levels, enabling the use of materials with lower temperature resistance requirements and reducing manufacturing costs
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
This solution reduces heating, prevents overheating, and allows the use of cheaper, easier-to-process materials, avoiding melting and temperature-related discoloration, while enabling adjustable light distribution and increased flexibility in light pattern and material selection.
Implementation Method 1
the primary optical element can be cooled, in particular by means of the cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
The cooling fluid can preferably be air, in particular ambient air from the vicinity of the vehicle lamp
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a light-generating assembly (12) of a motor vehicle lamp (10), comprising: a light source (14), in particular a semiconductor light source, arranged on and/or in a carrier (16); and a transmission-optical primary optical element (20) arranged along the beam path (18) of the light source (14). The invention is characterized in that the light-generating assembly (12) has a cooling fluid supply (26), which is designed for the flowing of cooling fluid (30) to the primary optical element (20) and/or along the primary optical element (20) via a first fluid connection (28) of the light-generating assembly (12).