Light-Guiding Optical Unit with Prismatic Reflective Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-guiding optical units for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving high light efficiency and uniform light intensity distribution on the output surface without requiring a large number of light sources, due to uncontrolled light propagation and inefficiencies in light collimation and reflection within the light guide.
Innovation Solution
A light-guiding optical unit with a prismatic structure that includes a routing surface and reflective surfaces, where the routing surface directs light rays directly onto the reflective surfaces, which are configured to ensure light rays exit through the output surface, minimizing losses and achieving controlled light output with a lower number of light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large number of light sources are used to achieve uniform light intensity distribution on the output surface, then the uniformity of light distribution is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple sections along the light propagation direction, with each section containing a prismatic structure with specifically designed reflective surfaces. This segmentation allows each section to independently control and redistribute light, achieving uniform overall distribution without requiring numerous light sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a routing surface as an intermediary element that redirects light from the light source onto the reflective surfaces of the prismatic structure. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient light redistribution and uniform intensity distribution across the output surface, reducing the need for multiple light sources
2Speed
If total reflection is used to direct light rays in the light-guiding body, then light direction control is improved, but light loss occurs and light efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on total internal reflection at the boundaries of the light guide, the patent inverts the approach by using explicitly designed reflective surfaces with controlled reflectivity. These surfaces are positioned and angled to redirect light efficiently while minimizing losses, achieving both direction control and high light efficiency
3Speed
If a prismatic structure with stepwise arranged surfaces is used to route light, then light routing capability is improved, but manufacturing precision is compromised due to rounding of transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the light guide. The reflective surfaces are designed with specific local geometries and optical properties optimized for their particular function in the light routing process, allowing precise light control while accommodating manufacturing constraints through localized design adjustments
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 configuration enhances light efficiency and achieves uniform light intensity distribution on the output surface, reducing the need for multiple light sources and improving the structural and optical design of the lighting device.
Implementation Method 1
the routing surface, by means of routing by refraction on this surface or reflection from this surface
Implementation Method 2
the routing surface, by means of routing by refraction on this surface or reflection from this surface
Implementation Method 3
the reflective surfaces being configured to direct light rays that have fallen onto them this way directly from the routing surface to the output surface
Data Source
AI summary
The light-guiding optical unit (1) for a light device of motor vehicles comprises a light guide (2) that comprises at least one routing surface (3), and at least one light source (4) to generate light rays (10). The light-guide (2) further comprises a top surface (12) at least a part of which is constituted by the output surface (15), and a bottom surface (13) opposite the top surface (12) and fitted with a prismatic structure (16) comprising reflective surfaces (7). The routing surface (3) and the reflective surfaces (7) are mutually arranged in such a way that the routing surface (3), by means of routing by refraction on this surface (3) or reflection from this surface (3), directs light rays (10) to the prismatic structure (16) in such a way that it directly lights up only the reflective surfaces (7) with the light rays (10), the reflective surfaces (7) being configured to direct light rays (10) that have fallen onto them this way directly from the routing surface (3) to the output surface (15) in such a way that the light rays (10) can exit from the light guide (2) through the output surface (15).