Vehicle Lamp Lightguide Recess Geometry for Dark Spot Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lamp lightguides exhibit inhomogeneity near the proximal section of the output surface due to standard prism optics, leading to a dark spot, and modifying existing moulds to improve homogeneity is costly.

Innovation Solution

A lightguide design with rounded recesses on reflection elements to distribute light more homogeneously, using existing moulds with minimal modifications by forming rounded protrusions on reflection elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If standard prism optics with linear reflection elements is used, then light is directed towards the output surface, but inhomogeneity (dark spot) appears in the proximal section

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution homogeneityVSAvoiddark spot in proximal section
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the reflection elements into two distinct types: standard linear reflection elements for the distal section and rounded reflection elements for the proximal section. This local differentiation allows each section to have optimized light reflection characteristics, with rounded elements specifically addressing the dark spot problem in the proximal area by redirecting light that would otherwise be lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The output surface is segmented into two distinct sections: a proximal output section and a distal output section. Each section is served by different types of reflection elements, allowing independent optimization of light distribution for each zone. This segmentation enables targeted solutions for the specific lighting problems in different areas of the output surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If the geometry of prism optics is modified to increase the number of linear reflection elements, then light distribution improves, but production costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution homogeneityVSAvoidmould modification cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely redesigning the entire prism optics geometry, the patent applies partial action by introducing only rounded reflection elements in the specific proximal section where the dark spot problem occurs. The majority of the reflection elements remain as standard linear elements, allowing use of existing moulds for most of the structure while adding minimal modifications only where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a hybrid reflection element system that combines static linear reflection elements with dynamically optimized rounded reflection elements in specific positions. This allows the system to adapt to the specific lighting requirements of different sections without requiring complete geometric reconfiguration of the entire optics, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Achieves homogeneous light distribution without dark spots, maintaining light intensity, and reduces production costs by utilizing existing moulds with slight adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

Reflection elements can be e.g., implemented as standard prism optics known from the state of the art, for example as set of step-shaped linear elements. These elements reflect light on the principle of total internal reflection towards the output surface.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The reflection surface comprises a plurality of reflection elements for reflecting light towards the output surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4467868B1Lightguide for a vehicle lamp, vehicle lamp, mould for moulding the lightguide and method of manufacturing the mould
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HELLA AUTOTECHNIK NOVA SRO
  • EP4467868B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4467868B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4467868B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The object of the invention is a lightguide (1) for a vehicle lamp comprising an elongated first part (2) and a second part (3). The first part (2) comprises a coupling face (2a) for coupling light from a light source (4) into the lightguide (1) and the second part (3) comprises a reflection surface (5) and an output surface (6). The reflection surface (5) comprises at least a first reflection element (5a) and a second reflection element (5b) for reflecting light towards the output surface (6). At least one rounded recess (7a, 7b) is arranged at least partially on the first reflection element (5a) to increase homogeneity of light emitted from the output surface (6). The invention also relates to a vehicle lamp, a mould for moulding the lightguide (1) and a method of manufacturing the mould.