Lighting Device PCB with Dual Zone Photon Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting devices with multiple photometric functions face assembly difficulties due to the interposition of a printed circuit board between molded parts, leading to increased light leaks and the inability to provide three photometric functions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device design featuring a printed circuit board with multiple photon sources on opposite faces, where the first molded part includes internal spaces for photon sources and a protective wall to prevent light leaks, and a second molded part with a reflector to direct photons, allowing for secure assembly and reduced light leaks, enabling the provision of at least three photometric functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a printed circuit board is sandwiched between two molded parts with light sources on both faces, then two photometric functions can be performed, but assembly difficulties arise due to tolerance chain constraints on photon source positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotometric functionsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple photometric functions into a single molded part structure. The first molded part integrates a first cavity with a first reflector for first light sources, and a second cavity with a second reflector for second light sources, eliminating the need for separate molded parts and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining multiple photometric functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two molded parts are used to perform two photometric functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but light leakage increases which disrupts photometric functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotometric functionsVSAvoidlight leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple cavities and reflectors into a single molded part, the patent eliminates the interfaces between multiple molded parts where light leakage occurs. The integrated structure ensures proper light containment and directionality for each photometric function without disruption from inter-part light leakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a printed circuit board is positioned between molded parts, then electrical connections are established, but the arrangement prevents effective provision of three photometric functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotometric functionsVSAvoidstructural arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions light sources in different spatial zones on the same face of the printed circuit board - first light sources in a first zone and second light sources in a second zone behind the first zone. This spatial arrangement in different dimensions allows multiple photometric functions to be achieved without requiring the printed circuit board to be sandwiched between multiple molded parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design reduces assembly complexities and light leaks, enabling the lighting device to effectively provide multiple photometric functions such as direction change indicator, brake light, and daytime running light functions while preventing light from propagating to the rear face of the first reflector.

Implementation Method 1

a first reflector oriented towards each first light source and arranged so as to reflect the first photons towards a front part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second reflector offset at least partially behind the first reflector and oriented towards each second light source so as to reflect the second photons towards the front part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3524472B1Lighting device with one side of a printed circuit board associated with two neighbouring photometric functions
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3524472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3524472B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3524472B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A lighting device (ED) comprises: - a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first face (F1) having a first zone (Z1) equipped with first sources (S1) generating first photons and a second zone (Z2) located behind the first zone (Z1) and equipped with second sources (S2) generating second photons, and - a first molded part (PM1) defining a first cavity (C1) delimited in a first rear part (PR1) by a first reflector (R1) oriented towards each first source (S1) and reflecting the first photons towards a front part (PV), and a second cavity (C2) delimited in a second rear part (PR2) by a second reflector (R2), offset at least partially behind the first reflector (R1) by extending after the latter (R1), oriented towards each second source (S2) and reflecting towards the front part (PV) the second photons passing behind the first reflector (R1).