Lens Array for Vehicle Lamp Illumination Uniformity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle-lighting systems using LEDs face challenges in optimizing optical efficiency and illumination uniformity, particularly in controlling the illumination area and light type of the light beam.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-lamp assembly comprising a light-source array, a lens array with converging lenses, and a projection lens, where the lens array refracts light beams to converge them, allowing partial overlap between adjacent lenses, thereby enhancing illumination uniformity and allowing individual control of light types across zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are applied in vehicular luminaries to improve luminous efficacy, then luminous efficacy is improved, but illumination area and light type control are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into multiple independent lens units, each capable of controlling light in specific zones. This segmentation allows different regions to have different illumination characteristics, enabling both high efficacy LED light sources and flexible control of illumination area and light types simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lens units are designed with different optical properties to create localized illumination zones with specific characteristics. Each lens unit can be optimized for particular light types (e.g., high beam, low beam, fog light), allowing the system to maintain high luminous efficacy while providing versatile local control over illumination area and light type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple zones with individual light type control are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lens units are integrated into a single lens array structure that can be mounted together with the LED light source array. This merging approach allows individual control of light types in different zones while avoiding the complexity of completely separate optical systems, as the units share a common mounting structure and control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens units are designed with universal characteristics that allow them to perform multiple functions. Each lens unit can be configured for different light types (high beam, low beam, fog light) and can be arranged in various patterns to create different illumination zones, reducing the need for specialized components for each function and thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Illumination intensity
If adjacent light beams are made to overlap to improve illumination uniformity, then illumination uniformity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally designs adjacent lens units with asymmetric overlapping characteristics, where the degree and pattern of overlap between neighboring lenses are deliberately configured to achieve uniform illumination distribution. This asymmetric design compensates for manufacturing tolerances by ensuring that slight variations in lens positioning do not create noticeable non-uniformities in the final illumination pattern.
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 improves illumination uniformity and allows for simple adjustment of light types across multiple zones, enhancing the optical efficiency and control of vehicle-lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
Light beams provided by the light-source array can be converged by refraction mechanism provided by the lens array
Data Source
AI summary
A lens array is disposed on a substrate and includes a plurality of converging lenses. The converging lenses are configured to project light beams and are arranged along a first direction. Two of the light beams respectively converged by adjacent two of the converging lenses at least partially overlap with each other by geometry of the adjacent two converging lenses, a distance between the adjacent two converging lenses, or a combination thereof.