Lighting Device Optical Component Light Absorber Parasitic Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting technologies for land vehicles face issues with unwanted parasitic light transmission through connecting channels in multi-functional optical components, which complicates the manufacturing process and affects light function independence.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating prismatic elements in the interconnecting channel to redirect light into a light absorber, converting it into thermal energy, thereby preventing transillumination between primary and secondary transparent parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a connecting channel is used to connect primary and secondary transparent parts in a multiple injection molding process, then the manufacturing process is simplified and production efficiency is improved, but unwanted parasitic light transmission occurs between the two light functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidparasitic light transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A light absorber is introduced as an intermediary element within the connecting channel to prevent parasitic light transmission. The absorber material (such as carbon black or metal particles) acts as a mediator that selectively absorbs light while allowing the connecting channel structure to remain intact for manufacturing purposes. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the simplified manufacturing process while eliminating the harmful light transmission through the addition of a light-absorbing intermediary substance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting channel is given different local properties: the channel structure itself remains transparent for manufacturing simplicity, while specific regions within the channel contain light-absorbing particles to prevent parasitic light transmission. This local differentiation of optical properties allows the channel to serve dual purposes - structural connection for manufacturing and light absorption for optical isolation - thereby resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the same inlet is used to manufacture both primary and secondary transparent parts through multiple injection molding, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the two light functions become optically coupled through the connecting channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process complexityVSAvoidlight function independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting channel is segmented into different functional zones: a structural portion that provides mechanical connection and transparency for manufacturing, and an optical isolation portion containing light-absorbing particles that prevents light transmission. This segmentation allows the single connecting channel to fulfill both manufacturing simplicity and light function independence requirements, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting channel employs a composite structure combining transparent material for structural integrity with light-absorbing particles (such as carbon black or metal particles) dispersed within specific regions. This composite approach maintains the simplified single-inlet manufacturing process while ensuring optical isolation between light functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and light function independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution ensures light function independence while maintaining a simple manufacturing process by effectively absorbing unwanted light, minimizing parasitic light transmission and maintaining the integrity of individual light surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a light absorber adapted to convert light energy into thermal energy is provided in a portion of the non-transparent segment overlapping the interconnecting channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the portion of the light which enters the interconnecting channel is gradually led out in the forward perpendicular direction by means of facets of the prismatic elements which meet the conditions of total reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10948155B2Lighting device with a multiple light function

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 PO LIGHTING CZECH SRO

AI summary

A lighting device with a multiple light function includes an optical component (1) which includes a transparent segment (1a) having a primary transparent part (2) and a secondary transparent part (3) which parts are connected to each other by an interconnecting channel (4). A non-transparent segment (1b) is connected to the transparent segment (1a). A primary lighting unit (2a) illuminates the primary transparent part (2) and a secondary lighting unit (3a) illuminates the secondary transparent part (3). Leading-out optics are formed by prismatic elements (6) in the interconnecting channel (4) of the transparent segment (la) of the optical component (1). Against the leading-out optics, a light absorber (8) is formed in the part of the non-transparent segment (1b) overlapping the interconnecting channel (4). The light absorber (8) being adapted to convert light energy into thermal energy.