Light Guide Coupling Portion Angular Opening Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for motor vehicles suffer from substantial performance losses due to inefficient light distribution, where rays of light are either lost or refracted to angles that do not contribute to the photometry of the beam, especially when the rear surface does not sufficiently surround the light source.
Innovation Solution
The optical device features a light guide with a coupling portion that directs light around a transverse axis with a total angular opening of less than 360°, channeling light into selected directions to minimize photometric loss, and includes specific reflection facets to optimize light distribution, preventing undesirable reflections or refractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the coupling portion directs light with a total angular opening of less than 360°, then photometric losses are reduced and light distribution is optimized, but the light distribution coverage is limited compared to full 360° emission
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion segments the light distribution into specific angular zones, directing light only in useful photometric directions rather than omnidirectionally. This segmentation eliminates wasted light in non-productive angles while maintaining adequate coverage through strategic facet arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the coupling portion are designed with different reflective properties and angular openings tailored to specific photometric requirements. The local angular opening is optimized for each zone to achieve homogeneous light emission while minimizing overall photometric losses.
2Ease of manufacture
If the rear surface does not sufficiently surround the light source, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but substantial performance losses occur due to inefficient light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion is designed in advance with pre-calculated angular openings and facet orientations that preemptively direct light into optimal paths before it can be lost. This preliminary optical routing ensures efficient light distribution even with a simplified rear surface structure that does not fully surround the light source.
3Manufacturing precision
If reflection facets are added to the coupling portion to optimize light distribution, then light guidance is improved and homogeneous emission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion utilizes curved and faceted surfaces that guide light through geometric shaping rather than complex mechanical structures. The curvature and facet angles are designed to naturally redirect light into the light guide at optimal angles, achieving precise light guidance through form rather than function.
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 solution enhances light guide performance by reducing photometric losses, achieving more homogeneous light emission and balancing light distribution, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reducing hot spots.
Implementation Method 1
a ray of light which is introduced into the thickness of the sheet via its intake section meets the upper or lower guide surfaces with an angle of incidence relative to the normal line 'N' which is greater than a limit refraction angle. The ray can thus be reflected totally by the guide surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
the coupling portion comprises a first reflection facet which is designed to return the light which is obtained from the source of light directly, i.e., in particular without reflection on the main reflection surface, towards the output surface of the light guide
Implementation Method 3
The guide sheet is made of a transparent material, the refraction index of which is greater than the refraction index of the medium in which the lighting device is designed to be immersed, for example, air.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device, in particular for a motor vehicle, such as a lighting or signaling device, this device comprising at least one light guide which is designed to guide at least part of the light which is emitted by a source of light, the light guide comprising at least one output surface and at least one main reflection surface, which is designed to reflect towards the output surface light which is propagated in the guide, the light guide comprising a portion for coupling with the source of light, this coupling portion having a transverse axis (Y), wherein the coupling portion is arranged such that the light which is emitted from this coupling portion is propagated in the light guide, around the transverse axis, according to a total angular opening, measured around this transverse axis, which is strictly less than 360°, and in particular is less than 320° or 300°.