LED Coupler with Reflecting and Blocking Portions for Light Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems face inefficiencies due to poor coupling of fiber optic bundles with LED light sources, leading to light leakage and suboptimal light transmission, particularly in automotive applications where precise light distribution is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting device featuring a coupling device with a reflecting portion to redirect diverging light from the LED into a fiber optic bundle and a blocking portion to prevent light leakage, utilizing a metallic or opaque plastic material with a reflective coating to enhance light transmission and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fiber optic bundle is coupled to LED light source, then light transmission is achieved, but light leakage occurs and transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: a reflecting portion with reflective surfaces to redirect diverging light toward the fiber bundle, and a blocking portion with light-absorbing surfaces to prevent light leakage. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function, improving overall light transmission efficiency while eliminating harmful light leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the coupling device are assigned different optical properties: the reflecting portion uses highly reflective surfaces (metallic or dielectric coatings) to maximize light redirection, while the blocking portion uses light-absorbing materials to prevent leakage. This local differentiation of optical quality ensures optimal performance in each region while solving the overall efficiency problem.
2Loss of energy
If coupling device is designed to maximize light transmission, then light leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: light reflection, light redirection, and light leakage blocking are all achieved within one coupling device structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high light transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs reflection, redirection, and blocking functions. By making the coupling device universal in its capabilities, the design avoids the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the desired light transmission optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed coupling distance is used between LED and fiber bundle, then alignment is simplified, but adaptability to different LED types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the fiber optic bundle interface to be dynamically repositioned along the optical axis. This dynamic adjustability enables optimization of the coupling distance for different LED types and configurations, enhancing versatility without requiring complete redesign of the coupling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device includes pre-configured positioning features and guides that facilitate straightforward adjustment of the fiber bundle position. By preparing the positioning infrastructure in advance, the device enables easy adaptation to different LED types while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
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 effectively maximizes light transmission from the LED to the fiber optic bundle, reducing light leakage and allowing for adjustable positioning, thereby improving the efficiency and aesthetic appeal of vehicle lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling device configured to optically couple the light source to the fiber bundle, the coupling device including a reflecting portion configured to reflect the diverging light toward the optical fiber bundle
Implementation Method 2
a blocking portion configured to block light from bleeding from the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting device including a light source configured to emit diverging light a fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers bundled into a cross sectional shape configured to be optically coupled to the light source; and a coupling device configured to optically couple the light source to the fiber bundle, the coupling device including a reflecting portion configured to reflect the diverging light toward the optical fiber bundle and a blocking portion configured to block light from bleeding from the assembly.