Light Assembly with Convex Reflector for Wide-Angle Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle lights do not provide both a narrow forward-facing beam and a wide forward-facing beam simultaneously, leading to poor off-axis visibility, which increases hazards for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly with two aligned directional light sources and a convex reflector that emits light over a broader angle, including a distal light source occluding the proximal one and a reflector configured to redirect light from the proximal source at least 90 degrees away from the primary emission direction, allowing for illumination in both backward and lateral directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single directional light source is used, then the light assembly provides a focused beam in the intended direction, but off-axis visibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is divided into multiple light sources (first light source and second light source) positioned at different locations. The first light source provides the primary focused beam while the second light source provides additional illumination at angles, segmenting the illumination function to achieve both focused intensity and broader visibility coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is positioned between the two light sources, with the second light source occluding the first light source from certain viewing angles. This nested arrangement allows the reflector to redirect light from the first source while the second source provides direct illumination, creating a composite lighting pattern that enhances both focused and off-axis visibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light sources are positioned to provide wide coverage, then off-axis visibility improves, but the focused beam capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the light assembly provide different illumination qualities. The first light source with the reflector provides a focused, intense beam in the primary direction, while the second light source provides broader, less intense illumination for off-axis visibility. Each light source is optimized for its specific function rather than attempting to provide uniform illumination in all directions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a reflector is added to redirect light, then light distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector utilizes a curved surface geometry to redirect light from the first light source. This curved reflector design efficiently distributes light across multiple angles without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, achieving improved light distribution through geometric optimization rather than mechanical complexity.
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
Enhances visibility for motorists and others by emitting light over a wider angle than traditional lights, reducing hazards and improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector interposed between the light sources, having a convex surface facing the proximal one of the light sources... configured to reflect light from the proximal one of the light sources at least 90 degrees away from a primary emission direction
Data Source
AI summary
An improved light assembly includes aligned directional light sources mounted one behind another. A distal one of the light sources occludes light emitted from a proximal one of the light sources. A reflector is interposed between the light sources, with a convex surface facing the proximal one of the light sources. Thus, the light assembly projects a light field extending at least through an 180° hemisphere, and up to about 270° backwards from the forward orientation of the light field, well-illuminating lateral approaches to the assembly.