Low Profile Vehicle Light with Oversized Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low profile light system that appears smaller when off and larger when on, with a turn signal the same size as a high beam but producing a light area larger than the lens, and having portions that are optically invisible when off but visible when on.
Innovation Solution
The light system comprises bezels with a reflector surface outside the internal lens height, a printed circuit board, and a light source that directs light through the internal lens and reflector surfaces, redirecting light outside the lens height to achieve a larger visible light area without increasing the physical size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the light system uses a compact lens design to maintain a low profile appearance, then the aesthetic appeal and clean lines are improved, but the light emission area is limited by the lens size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the light emission in the vertical dimension by using reflector surfaces positioned above and below the lens plane. The reflectors redirect light vertically outward, creating a light emission area that exceeds the lens area without increasing the horizontal profile, thus resolving the contradiction between compact shape and large emission area.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector surfaces are nested within the housing structure surrounding the lens, allowing them to be hidden when the light is off (maintaining low profile appearance) while becoming functional when the light is on. This nesting enables the system to have both a compact visual profile and extended light emission capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the turn signal lens is made the same size as the high beam lens for aesthetic consistency, then the visual uniformity is improved, but the turn signal light area becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The turn signal achieves increased light area by utilizing vertical reflection dimensions. Light from the turn signal source is redirected by reflector surfaces positioned above and below the lens plane, extending the illumination area vertically without requiring a larger lens, thus maintaining aesthetic consistency while providing sufficient light area.
3Illumination intensity
If reflector surfaces are positioned outside the lens height to expand light projection, then the light distribution is improved, but visible structural components may compromise aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector surfaces are nested within the housing structure that surrounds the lens assembly. When the light is off, the reflectors are concealed within the housing, maintaining clean lines and aesthetic appeal. When the light is on, the reflectors become functional, redirecting light vertically to expand the light projection area without compromising the visual design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed with different local qualities: the outer surfaces maintain smooth, aesthetic finishes for visual appeal, while the inner surfaces containing the reflectors are optimized for light reflection functionality. This differentiation allows the system to achieve both aesthetic appeal and effective light projection.
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
The system provides a visually appealing low profile appearance when off and a larger light projection when on, maintaining aesthetics while enhancing visibility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
some of the light from the light source is redirected by the internal lens to the reflector surface of the one or more bezels so that the light is redirected outside of the height of the internal lens to the location outside of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the one or more bezels include a reflector surface located outside of the height of the internal lens and some of the light from the light source is redirected by the internal lens to the reflector surface of the one or more bezels so that the light is redirected outside of the height of the internal lens
Data Source
AI summary
A light system comprising: (a) one or more bezels; (b) an internal lens located within and in communication with the one or more bezels, wherein the internal lens has a height; and (c) a light source that directs light from the light system to a location outside of a vehicle that is configured to house the light system, wherein some of the light is directed to the location outside of the vehicle directly through the internal lens; wherein the one or more bezels include a reflector surface located outside of the height of the internal lens and some of the light from the light source is redirected by the internal lens to the reflector surface of the one or more bezels so that the light is redirected outside of the height of the internal lens to the location outside of the vehicle.