Light Assembly with Embedded Diffusing Particles for Broad Viewing Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light assemblies for vehicles often have limited viewing angles due to the integration of light guides on the outer lens, which can accumulate dirt and reduce light diffusion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly with a second light module integrated into the lens, utilizing polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, or silicone materials with embedded light diffusing particles, providing a broad viewing angle by extending light guide portions both inside and outside the lens, and including a light source adjacent to the integrated portion to transmit light through the lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light guides are integrated on the outer lens, then light diffusion is achieved, but the viewing angle is limited and dirt accumulation reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional light guides on the outer lens surface to three-dimensional light-diffusing structures integrated within the lens body. The light-diffusing particles are embedded throughout the lens material volume, creating light diffusion in multiple spatial dimensions and directions, thereby achieving broader viewing angles while maintaining diffusion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies light-diffusing particles selectively within specific regions of the lens material rather than uniformly across the entire outer surface. This localized application of light-diffusing properties allows different zones of the lens to have optimized characteristics for both diffusion and viewing angle, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
2Illumination intensity
If light guides are placed on the outer face, then light transmission is achieved, but cleanliness is compromised due to dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-diffusing function from the outer lens surface and relocates it to the interior lens material. By embedding light-diffusing particles within the lens body rather than placing light guides on the exposed outer face, the design eliminates the surface component that would otherwise accumulate dirt, while maintaining light transmission and diffusion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-diffusing particles as an intermediary medium within the lens material to achieve light diffusion without requiring surface-mounted light guides. These particles act as intermediaries that scatter light internally, eliminating the need for external light guide structures that would be exposed to dirt and environmental contaminants.
3Reliability
If light modules are spaced from the lens, then protection is achieved, but packaging space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light module assembly with the lens structure by integrating light-diffusing particles directly into the lens material. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate light modules spaced from the lens, reducing overall assembly volume and optimizing packaging space while maintaining protective functionality through the integrated design.
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 enhances light diffusion and viewing angles by eliminating the need for outer face optics, maintaining cleanliness, and optimizing packaging space within the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a second light module being at least partially integrated into the lens and being selectively operable to emit light that is transmitted through the lens, wherein the second light module is formed from a material that is operative to spread the flow of light by using embedded light diffusing particles
Implementation Method 2
or has a differed refraction index from the first light module whereby a broad viewing angle is provided by the second light module
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a light assembly including a housing and a lens secured to the housing. The lens cooperates with the housing to define an interior region therebetween. The light assembly also includes a first light module disposed in the interior region. The first light module is selectively operable to emit light that is transmitted through the lens. The light assembly further includes a second light module formed of a material having embedded light diffusing particles and operative to be selectively operable to emit light that is transmitted through the lens to create a broad viewing angle. At least a portion of the second light module is integrated into the lens.