Automotive Lighting Optics Assembly for Dynamic Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive lighting devices are limited to providing only static light patterns, failing to meet the dynamic lighting configurations required by car manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
An automotive lighting device comprising a circuit support with solid-state light sources, an optics support with optical elements and microlenses, and a holder support with couplers, allowing for dynamic light patterns through independent microlenses groups that can combine to form complex patterns without interference from neighboring arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static lighting devices are used, then manufacturing is simple, but lighting pattern versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is divided into multiple independent light source groups (first group, second group, third group, fourth group) that can be independently controlled. Each group can be selectively activated to create different lighting patterns, enabling versatility without requiring a completely new device design. The segmentation allows flexible combination of light sources to form various patterns around the car body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic lighting patterns by enabling independent control of different light source groups through a control unit. The lighting device transitions from static to dynamic operation, where light sources can be selectively turned on/off or adjusted in intensity based on control signals, allowing the creation of various lighting patterns (welcome light, farewell light, ambient lighting) without physical reconfiguration.
2Manufacturing precision
If solid-state light sources with microlenses are used, then lighting precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into an integrated structure: the circuit support integrates light sources, the holder support integrates positioning features and coupling mechanisms, and the microlens arrays are positioned in direct correspondence with light sources. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, making manufacturing easier while maintaining precise positioning through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder support includes positioning protrusions that automatically align with corresponding features on the circuit support, enabling self-positioning during assembly. The microlens arrays are positioned based on the geometric arrangement of light sources, creating a self-aligning system that reduces the need for complex external positioning mechanisms and simplifies manufacturing while ensuring precise optical alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light source groups are used for dynamic patterns, then lighting versatility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit enables selective activation of light source groups based on the required lighting pattern. Instead of illuminating all light sources simultaneously, only the necessary groups are activated for each specific function (e.g., welcome light, farewell light, ambient lighting). This partial action approach maintains versatility while significantly reducing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device implements periodic or sequential activation of different light source groups to create dynamic lighting patterns. The control unit can activate groups in sequences or cycles, providing varied lighting effects over time while ensuring that not all light sources are active simultaneously, thereby managing energy consumption effectively while maintaining dynamic pattern capability.
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 creation of complex, dynamic light patterns around the car body, enhancing user experience and manufacturing ease with accurate positioning and reduced heat generation compared to traditional lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit support comprising a plurality of solid-state light sources
Implementation Method 2
an optics support comprising a plurality of optical elements, each optical element being arranged in front of one of the solid-state light sources
Implementation Method 3
a microlenses support, comprising a plurality of groups of microlenses, each group of microlenses comprising a plurality of microlenses arranged to receive the light projected by one optical element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an automotive lighting device with a circuit support, an optics support, a holder support and a microlenses support. The optics support includes optical elements, each one being arranged in front of one of the solid-state light sources of the printed circuit board. The optics support further includes positioning protrusions configured to fit the positioning housings of the circuit support. The holder support includes a plurality of opaque walls, a first coupler and a second coupler. Each opaque wall is located between two optical elements. The microlenses support includes a plurality of groups of microlenses, each group having a plurality of microlenses arranged to receive the light projected by one optical elements. The first coupler is configured to couple the holder support to the circuit support. The second coupler is intended to retain the microlenses support.