Vehicle Light Guide Protrusions for Homogeneous Beam Borders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lamps with multiple light modules suffer from undesirable light-intensity gradients and visible edges in the border area between light distributions, leading to driver discomfort and distraction, and adding intermediary optics units complicates the lamp and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A light guide with a specific shape, featuring protrusions at junctions between guide fingers, enhances light distribution homogeneity by reducing the visibility of edges and eliminating the A-shaped image projection, without requiring additional optics units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an intermediary optics unit is added to reduce light-intensity gradients, then light homogeneity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light homogenization function into the existing light guide structure by adding protrusions at the junctions of guide fingers. This integrates the intermediary optics function directly into the light guide body, eliminating the need for separate intermediary optics units while achieving the same light-distribution homogenization effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light homogenization function from a separate intermediary optics unit and implements it through structural modifications (protrusions) directly on the light guide. This removes the complex intermediary optics component while preserving the essential function of reducing light-intensity gradients in border areas.
2Illumination intensity
If an intermediary optics unit is added to reduce light-intensity gradients, then light homogeneity is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the homogenization function with the light guide manufacturing process. The protrusions are formed as integral features of the light guide body during a single molding operation, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate intermediary optics components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure itself provides the homogenization function through its geometric design (protrusions at junctions). The structure is self-sufficient and does not require additional components or assemblies, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance while achieving the desired light distribution homogeneity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light modules are used to create pixelated beam, then lighting functionality is improved, but visible edges and inhomogeneities appear in border areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by adding protrusions specifically at the junction regions between guide fingers, where light-intensity gradients occur. This targeted geometric modification addresses the local homogeneity problem in border areas without affecting the overall pixelated beam functionality and adaptability of the lighting system.
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 light homogeneity and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs by simplifying the design and tooling process, eliminating sharp edges and distracting images on the road.
Implementation Method 1
a guide body extending along a horizontal axis, a plurality of guide fingers intended to guide the light emitted by the array of light sources
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the junctions comprises a protrusion extending towards the light input ends of the guide fingers. Owing to the particular shape of the light guide, and in particular the at least one protrusion located at a junction between the guide fingers, the zone where the protrusion is located will release more light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
The invention concerns a light guide (26) for an illuminating device adapted for vehicle exteriors comprising an array of light sources (22), comprising : - a guide body (30) extending along a horizontal axis (X-X), - a plurality of guide fingers (32) intended to guide the light emitted by the array of light sources (22) and extending from the guide body (30) in such a way that they are aligned along said horizontal axis (X-X). Each guide finger (32) extends between a light input end (321) receiving at least part of the light emitted by the light sources (22) and a light output end (32O). At least one of the junctions (38) comprises a protrusion (40) extending towards the light input ends (321) of the guide fingers (32).