Vehicle Lighting Optical Module for Sharp Ground Logo Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for projecting logos or patterns onto the ground using motor vehicle lighting systems are either expensive due to high-resolution light beams or ineffective due to light absorption by masks, necessitating a cost-effective and efficient optical module.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a single-piece primary optical element connected to an output optical element via a junction face, utilizing total internal reflection to project predefined patterns with sharp edges, optimizing light usage and minimizing deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high-resolution light beam with a large number of light sources is used to project illuminated designs or logos onto the ground, then the projection quality and sharpness are improved, but the lighting system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projection system into multiple independently controllable light sources (first, second, third light sources) that can be selectively activated. Instead of using a large array of light sources to create high resolution, the system segments the illumination function across a few strategic light sources combined with movable optical elements to achieve sharp projection edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable optical elements (mirrors or prisms) that can be dynamically adjusted to control the projection of sharp edges. By moving these optical elements, the system dynamically directs light from selective light sources to create the desired sharp projection boundaries without requiring a dense array of fixed light sources.
2Ease of manufacture
If a mask with perforation is used to project light patterns onto the ground, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the effectiveness decreases due to light absorption by the mask
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mask component entirely from the system. Instead of using a mask with perforations that absorbs light, the invention extracts the pattern formation function and achieves it through selective light source activation combined with movable optical elements that direct light without absorption losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movable optical elements (mirrors or prisms) as intermediaries between the light sources and the ground projection surface. These intermediaries direct and shape the light beams to create sharp projection edges without the light absorption problem inherent in mask-based systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources and optical components are used to achieve sharp projection edges, then the projection quality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical elements with specific properties at specific locations to achieve sharp edges only where needed in the projection. Each movable optical element is positioned and configured to control specific portions of the light beam, creating sharp edges at critical projection boundaries while using simpler components elsewhere in the system.
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
Enables the projection of luminous patterns or logos onto the ground with optimal sharpness and efficiency using a reasonable number of components, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing total internal reflection to project predefined patterns with sharp edges
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical module (1, 20) of a motor vehicle lighting system (10), comprising: at least one light source (2), a primary optical element (4) comprising at least one primary optical member (5) connected to an exit optical member (6), the primary optical member comprising a light entry face (51) and a junction face (52) connecting the primary optical member to the exit optical member, the primary optical element being a one-piece component, and an optical projection system (7) designed to project, onto the ground, using light emitted by the light source and collected by the primary optical member, an image (1a, 1b, 1c) of the junction face, the primary optical member being arranged so that the image of its junction face that is projected onto the ground by the optical projection system is entirely bounded by substantially sharp edges.