Light-Guiding Optical Unit With Recessed Reflective Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-guiding optical systems for vehicles face inefficiencies in light usage and increased production costs due to the high number of light sources required, leading to complex designs that are difficult to manufacture and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A light-guiding optical unit comprising a planar light guide with a recessed structure and collimating elements, where the recess's reflective surfaces direct light rays efficiently to the output surface, reducing the need for multiple light sources by optimizing light distribution and manufacturing simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a high number of light sources is used to ensure sufficient light output, then the light output requirement is met, but the financial costs and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflective functions (collimation and directional reflection) into a single integrated reflective structure within the light guide. This single structure performs what would traditionally require multiple separate optical components and multiple light sources, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining sufficient light output through efficient light redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light guide by introducing specific reflective surfaces with defined geometries (inclined planes, parabolic surfaces) and optical properties. These parameter changes enable the light guide to redistribute light from fewer sources more efficiently, achieving the required illumination intensity without increasing the number of light sources.
2Loss of energy
If a complex optical design with multiple reflective surfaces is used to improve light efficiency, then light efficiency increases, but manufacturing difficulty and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (collimation, reflection, light direction) into a single integrated reflective structure formed as part of the light guide body. This integration reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations required, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high light efficiency through the combined optical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective structure within the light guide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collimates light rays, redirects them to specific output regions, and distributes light uniformly across the output surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving high light efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional light guide designs are used, then production is straightforward, but light efficiency is reduced due to unused light portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the light guide by incorporating specific reflective surfaces with defined geometries and optical properties. These parameter changes enable the light guide to capture and redirect light that would otherwise be lost, significantly improving light efficiency while maintaining a manufacturing process that is integrated into the existing light guide production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces localized reflective structures at specific positions within the light guide (such as at the input surface and at intermediate regions). These localized structures are strategically placed to intercept and redirect light rays that would otherwise be lost, improving light efficiency without requiring a complete redesign of the entire light guide structure.
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 light efficiency and homogeneity with a lower number of light sources, reducing production costs and complexity, while maintaining high light output and adaptability to various design requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating element (13) with a first reflective surface (2) configured to reflect light rays (10) sent to it towards the output surface (12) of the light guide (1)
Implementation Method 2
The top surface or the bottom surface of the light guide is equipped with a recess (14) whose surface comprises a second reflective surface (3) and a third reflective surface (4) that are configured to reflect light rays (10) sent to them to the respective lateral reflective surfaces (6)
Data Source
AI summary
The light-guiding optical unit comprising a light guide made of an optically transparent material having the shape of a plate with top and bottom surfaces, a light unit to emit light rays, and a collimating element comprising the first reflective surface configured to reflect light rays that fall onto it in the direction (A1, A2) towards the light guide output surface. The top or bottom surface of the light guide has a recess whose surface comprises second and third reflective surfaces, which are configured to reflect light rays falling onto them to respective lateral reflective surfaces that are part of the surface of the light guide. A recess is situated between the first reflective surface and the output surface in such a way that a part of the light rays reflected from the first reflective surface pass through this recess after this reflection before falling onto the output surface.