Light Guide Array for Vehicle Lamp Beam Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems using flat, two-dimensional LED arrays face challenges in directing light to match desired beam directions due to the inherent orientation of light emission, leading to potential shadowing and interference issues, and custom non-planar arrays are costly and difficult to obtain.
Innovation Solution
A light guide array is designed to redirect and control the light emitted from a two-dimensional LED array by using a configurable arrangement of light guides that establish new focal points, allowing for adjustment of light direction, angle, intensity, pattern, distribution, and focus, enabling the light to be directed non-parallel to the original emission direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat, two-dimensional LED arrays are used with LEDs mounted normal to the printed circuit board, then the structure is simple and economically available, but the light direction cannot be synchronized with the desired beam direction and shadowing/interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from flat, two-dimensional LED arrays to three-dimensional non-planar LED arrays. The LEDs are mounted at different heights and angles relative to the printed circuit board, creating a non-planar structure. This dimensional change enables the light emission directions to be synchronized with desired beam directions while maintaining economic availability through standard manufacturing processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom made non-planar LED arrays are used to achieve desired light direction, then light direction control is improved, but the cost increases and they are difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED array into multiple groups, with each group containing LEDs mounted at specific heights and angles to emit light in particular directions. This segmentation allows different portions of the array to control different beam directions independently, achieving versatile light direction control while using standard manufacturing techniques for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the printed circuit board have LEDs mounted with different orientations and heights. Specifically, LEDs in different groups are positioned to emit light in different directions (e.g., first group emits in first direction, second group emits in second direction). This local variation in LED mounting quality enables precise control of light direction for different beam requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-planar LED arrays are used to vary from flat configuration, then light direction flexibility is improved, but adjacent LEDs may shadow each other and interfere with light projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic non-planar structure where LEDs are mounted at varying heights and angles rather than in a static flat configuration. This dynamic arrangement in three-dimensional space allows light paths to be optimized for each LED, preventing shadowing and interference by ensuring that LEDs do not block each other's light projection while maintaining direction flexibility.
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 synchronizes the light emission with the desired beam direction, enhancing light distribution and intensity, reducing shadowing and interference, while allowing for customization to fit specific vehicle lighting constraints without the need for expensive custom arrays.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide array establishes new focal points for the light emitted from each of a plurality of LEDs, which focal points are displaced from an original focal point of each LED
Implementation Method 2
A light guide array is designed to redirect and control the light emitted from a two-dimensional LED array by using a configurable arrangement of light guides
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a light guide array constructed and arranged to be deployed with a two dimensional LED array such that the LED array establishes new focal points for the light emitted from each of a plurality of LEDs, which focal points are displaced from an original focal point of each LED. The light guide array is further configurable in fabrication to selectively control properties of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp having the light guide array including, direction, angle, luminance intensity and luminance pattern. In one embodiment, the light guide array directs light in a primary direction that is non-parallel with the primary direction of the light generated by the two dimensional LED array alone.