Vehicle Lamp Reflector Layout for Compact Multi-Pattern Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lamps with integrated low-beam and additional light distribution units face an increase in size due to their combined housing configuration.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lamp design incorporating a first reflector portion for low-beam light distribution, a second reflector portion for a larger distribution pattern, and a third reflector portion for a side distribution, with all light sources attached on an attachment surface, allowing simultaneous formation of low-beam and additional patterns without increasing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the low-beam light distribution unit and the additional light distribution unit are simply arranged in a single housing, then both light distribution patterns can be formed, but the size of the vehicle lamp increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional arrangement by positioning the third reflector portion not only between the first and second reflector portions in the width direction but also on the front side of them in the front-rear direction. This three-dimensional spatial configuration allows multiple light distribution units to share the same housing without simple linear arrangement, thereby forming multiple light distribution patterns while suppressing the overall size increase of the vehicle lamp.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflector portions are arranged in the width direction, then different light distribution patterns can be formed, but the width of the lamp housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the front-rear direction (depth dimension) in addition to the width direction for arranging reflector portions. The third reflector portion is positioned on the front side of the first and second reflector portions, creating a three-dimensional layout that reduces the width requirement while still accommodating multiple light distribution functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The third reflector portion is nested between the first and second reflector portions in the width direction, creating a compact arrangement where multiple functional units share space efficiently. This nested configuration allows the additional light distribution unit to be integrated within the overall housing structure without significantly increasing the width.
3Length of moving object
If the third reflector portion is positioned on the front side of the first and second reflector portions, then the additional light distribution pattern can be formed without increasing width, but the front-rear length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the trade-off of increased front-rear length to achieve compact width dimensions. By utilizing the front-rear direction for positioning the third reflector portion, the design prioritizes width optimization while allowing moderate depth extension, which is often more acceptable in vehicle lamp installations where width constraints are more critical.
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 design enables the formation of low-beam and additional light distribution patterns while maintaining a compact size, enhancing illumination without enlarging the lamp.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector portion that reflects light emitted from a first light source, irradiates a front of a vehicle, and that forms a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line
Implementation Method 2
a second reflector portion that reflects light emitted from a second light source and that forms a second light distribution pattern larger than the first light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a third reflector portion that reflects light emitted from a third light source and that forms a third light distribution pattern on a side of the first light distribution pattern or the second light distribution pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle lamp includes a first reflector portion forming a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line by light from a first light source, a second reflector portion forming a second light distribution pattern forming at least a part of a low-beam light distribution pattern by light from a second light source, and a third reflector portion forming a third light distribution pattern by light from a third light source. The first reflector portion and the second reflector portion are provided adjacent to each other in a width direction on an attachment surface of an attachment member, and the third reflector portion is provided between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction and on the front side of the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion on the attachment surface.