Light Guide Coupling Portion for Uniform Curved Beam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light guides with curved profiles require complex collimation subassemblies that degrade the appearance and uniformity of the light beam, making it difficult to design and maintain an optimal light distribution.

Innovation Solution

A light guide design featuring a coupling portion with parallel top and bottom faces that utilize total internal reflection to direct light rays from collimation subassemblies to the output portion, maintaining uniformity and simplicity in production, even on curved profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If collimation subassemblies are bent to adapt to the curvature of the sheet, then the light guide can be formed in a curved profile, but the appearance of the light guide when switched on degrades and becomes uneven or discontinuous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved profile of light guideVSAvoiduniformity of light beam

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide is divided into distinct functional portions: a curved light output portion and flat collimation subassemblies connected by coupling portions. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its optimal geometry - the subassemblies remain flat for uniform light emission while the output portion achieves the desired curved profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Coupling portions act as intermediaries between the flat collimation subassemblies and the curved light output portion. These coupling portions bridge the geometric transition while maintaining optical performance, allowing light to pass from the flat subassemblies to the curved output without degrading uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If collimation subassemblies are bent to match the curved profile, then the light guide shape is achieved, but the design complexity of the subassemblies increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved profile of light guideVSAvoidcomplexity of collimation subassembly design

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of bending the collimation subassemblies to match the curved profile, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the subassemblies flat and introducing curvature only in the light output portion and coupling portions. This simplifies the subassembly design while achieving the desired overall curved appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Illumination intensity

If the top face of the coupling portion meets the top face of the collimation subassembly and light output portion at an edge, then the light rays maintain their direction through total internal reflection, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of light beamVSAvoidedge alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling portion is designed with specific geometric parameters - its thickness and face angles are optimized to enable total internal reflection at the edges. By carefully controlling these parameters, the design achieves uniform light transmission while making the manufacturing process feasible through standard precision techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the uniformity of the light beam and simplifies production by eliminating deformation in collimation subassemblies, ensuring consistent light distribution and appearance across the output face.

Implementation Method 1

the top and bottom faces of the coupling portion are arranged in such a way as to reflect this ray, notably by total internal reflection, toward the light output portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9557024B2Light guide for an optical device, notably for lighting and/or signaling

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

A light guide for an optical device, notably for lighting and/or signaling, comprising:at least one light output portion having a top face and a bottom face linked together by a light output rim,at least one collimation subassembly suitable for receiving light emitted by a light source and for directing at least a part of this light toward the light output portion, the collimation subassembly having a top face and a bottom face linked together by a rim, anda coupling portion coupling the light output portion to the subassembly, the coupling portion having a top face and a bottom face,the bottom and top faces of the collimation subassembly extend substantially in mutually parallel planes, and in that the top face of the coupling portion and at least one of the top face of the collimation subassembly and of the top face of the light output portion meet at an edge.