Automotive Light Module Diffusing Screen for Brightness Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive light modules experience a loss of brightness when one light source is deactivated, leading to reduced visibility and potential safety issues, and increasing the number of light sources to mitigate this makes the module bulky and unsuitable for vehicle integration.

Innovation Solution

A light module with a diffusing screen interposed between the optical projection system and collector, allowing light beams from neighboring sources to compensate for the loss of brightness by diffusing and projecting an inverted 'T' shaped image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the number of light sources is increased to mitigate brightness loss, then the brightness compensation is achieved, but the light module becomes bulky and cannot fit into the reduced space allocated to it

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A diffusing screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the optical projection system and the collector. This screen diffuses light from neighboring active light sources to compensate for the brightness loss when one light source is deactivated, without requiring additional light sources. The diffusing screen has a specific optical design with light-transmitting and light-reflecting portions that redirect light paths to maintain uniform illumination across the projected image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical parameters of the light distribution are changed by introducing the diffusing screen, which modifies the light propagation paths through diffusion and reflection. This changes the illumination pattern to compensate for missing light sources without adding more sources, thereby maintaining brightness while keeping the module size compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If one light source is deactivated to implement non-glare or dynamic cornering lighting function, then the specific lighting function is achieved, but a loss of brightness occurs at the superposition level reducing driver visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionVSAvoidbrightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffusing screen acts as a mediator that redistributes light from neighboring active sources to the area where brightness would otherwise be lost. When one light source is deactivated for non-glare or cornering functions, the diffusing screen captures and redirects light from adjacent active sources through its light-reflecting portion, maintaining uniform brightness across the entire projected image while preserving the intended lighting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The diffusing screen is segmented into different functional portions: a light-transmitting portion and a light-reflecting portion. This segmentation allows different regions of the screen to handle different light paths, enabling the system to maintain brightness uniformity while supporting multiple lighting functions through selective light source deactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Compensates for brightness loss by using neighboring light sources' images diffused through a diffusing screen, maintaining visibility and avoiding bulkiness, thus ensuring consistent lighting performance without increasing module size.

Implementation Method 1

A light module with a diffusing screen interposed between the optical projection system and collector, allowing light beams from neighboring sources to compensate for the loss of brightness by diffusing and projecting an inverted 'T' shaped image.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

at least one first collector comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light sources into a light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an optical projection system arranged to project said light beam; the optical system comprising a first portion arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage projection: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP4264124B1Light module for a lighting device of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4264124B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4264124B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4264124B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a light module (32) for a lighting device (30) of a motor vehicle, comprising: a plurality of first light sources; at least a first collector (32.11) having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light sources into a light beam; and an optical projection system (34) arranged to project the light beam, the optical system (34) including a first portion (32.12) arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector (32.11), the module being characterised in that it comprises a first diffusing screen (321.1) disposed between said portion (32.12) of the optical projection system (34) and the collector (32.11).