Light Guide Device with Nested Retro-Reflection for Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light guide devices for vehicle headlamps inefficiently utilize incident light, as a portion is not reflected for backlighting, leading to reduced illumination efficiency and uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A light guide device incorporating a first and second light guide component with optical reflection components, including a primary and secondary reflection component, that employs a retro-reflection principle to recycle incident light, increasing the amount of light used for backlighting by reflecting it back through the first light guide component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional light guide device uses a single optical reflection component to reflect incident light for backlighting, then the device structure is simple, but the light utilization efficiency is low because remaining light passes through the reflection component and is not used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical structure where a second optical reflection component is positioned behind a first optical reflection component. The first reflection component reflects some light for backlighting, while the second reflection component captures and reflects the remaining light that would otherwise be lost. This nested arrangement enables sequential light reflection and reuse, significantly improving light utilization efficiency without requiring a complete redesign of the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action of light by implementing a two-stage reflection system. The first optical reflection component performs the primary reflection function for backlighting, and the second optical reflection component continuously reflects the remaining light that passes through the first component. This continuous reflection process maximizes the utilization of incident light, ensuring that no light is wasted and the backlighting function operates with sustained efficiency throughout the device operation.
2Illumination intensity
If a conventional light guide device reflects only a portion of incident light for backlighting, then the device structure is simple, but the illumination uniformity is poor because the remainder of light is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the second optical reflection component is positioned behind the first optical reflection component. This nested structure enables the second component to capture and reflect the remaining light that passes through the first component, thereby enhancing illumination uniformity. The nested arrangement ensures that light is distributed more evenly across the backlighting area, eliminating the illumination gaps that would occur with a single reflection component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action through a two-stage reflection system that ensures uninterrupted light reflection. The first optical reflection component reflects light for backlighting, and the second optical reflection component continuously reflects the remaining light. This continuous reflection process maintains consistent illumination intensity across the entire backlighting area, achieving superior illumination uniformity by preventing light loss and ensuring even light distribution throughout the device operation.
3Productivity
If a light guide device recycles incident light through multiple optical reflection components, then the backlighting efficiency and uniformity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical structure where the second optical reflection component is positioned behind the first optical reflection component. This nested arrangement enables sequential light reflection and reuse, significantly improving backlighting efficiency by capturing and reflecting light that would otherwise be lost. The nested configuration allows the system to achieve high productivity through light recycling while maintaining a relatively compact and organized device structure, as the components are integrated in a space-efficient manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action through a two-stage reflection system that maximizes light utilization. The first optical reflection component performs the primary reflection function, and the second optical reflection component continuously reflects the remaining light. This continuous reflection process maintains sustained backlighting efficiency throughout device operation, ensuring that light is consistently recycled and utilized without interruption, thereby achieving high productivity and efficient backlighting performance.
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
Improves the efficiency and uniformity of backlighting, producing a clearer and more uniformly illuminated image while potentially reducing manufacturing costs by recycling unused light.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical reflection component disposed on a first surface of the first light guide component that is in contact with the second light guide component, and that reflects incident light to an adjacent surface of the first light guide component
Implementation Method 2
a second optical reflection component disposed on a first surface of the second light guide component adjacent to the first light guide component, and that reflects incident light through the first optical reflection component to the first light guide component
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide device that improves the efficiency of backlighting and creates a more uniformly illuminated image is provided. The light guide device includes a first light guide that guides light emitted from a light source and a second light guide component disposed in contact with a surface of the first light guide component to guide incident light incident through the first light guide component. A first optical reflection component is disposed on the surface of the first light guide component to reflect incident light to an adjacent surface of the first light guide component. A second optical reflection component is disposed on a surface of the second light guide component that is adjacent to the first light guide component to reflect incident light through the first optical reflection component to the first light guide component.