Light Blade Mixing Optics for Automotive Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting devices for automotive vehicles face challenges in achieving homogeneous light distribution due to cost and packaging limitations, often requiring longer light-blades or additional LEDs and light diffusing materials.
Innovation Solution
The integration of mixing optics within the light propagation portion of the lighting device, which collects and disperses light beams to produce a more uniform output without the need for extra elements or materials, allowing for improved homogeneity in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If very long sections of light-blades or additional LEDs are used to mix light, then light homogeneity is improved, but packaging space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension for light mixing by positioning the light source above the light blade and using a lens to direct light downward into the blade. This vertical light injection approach enables effective light mixing within a compact horizontal footprint, resolving the contradiction between achieving homogeneity and minimizing packaging space.
2Illumination intensity
If very long sections of light-blades or additional LEDs are used to mix light, then light homogeneity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light blade serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light guiding structure and the mixing medium. The single light source with a lens provides both illumination and the mixing function that would otherwise require separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving homogeneous light distribution.
3Illumination intensity
If light diffusing materials are used to improve homogeneity, then light homogeneity is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light blade itself performs the light mixing function through its structural design and the vertical light injection method, eliminating the need for separate light diffusing materials. The blade's geometry and the light propagation path within it create the homogenization effect, making the system self-sufficient and reducing manufacturing costs.
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
This approach enables a more homogeneous light distribution without increasing the number of light sources, material, or packaging space, reducing costs and complexity while meeting styling and regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The propagating portion includes mixing optics configured to increase dispersion of the first light beams to produce second, mixed light beams
Implementation Method 2
The in-coupling portion is optically proximate the light source and is configured to collect and guide the source light beams as first light beams generally in a first direction along a longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
The out-coupling portion is proximate the distal end of the propagating portion and is configured to receive the second, mixed light beams and to emit the second, mixed light beams in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light blade body for a lighting device, for example for an automotive vehicle, includes an in-coupling portion configured to be optically coupled to and collect light from a light source, a propagating portion extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end where the propagating portion is configured to receive light from the in-coupling portion at the proximal end and guide light to the distal end, and wherein the propagating portion includes mixing optics to mix the light in advance of reaching an out-coupling portion. The body includes the out-coupling portion proximate the distal end of the propagating portion and is configured to emit light.