Luminous Module Imaging Collector Surface for Compact Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light modules for motor vehicles require high precision in positioning components, leading to increased weight and production complexity due to the need for thick lenses and bulky collectors.
Innovation Solution
A light module design that includes a collector with a reflective surface configured to reflect light rays into a compact light beam, where the optical system forms an image of the reflective surface, allowing for a thin lens and reduced bulk, thereby simplifying production and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a thick lens is used to achieve a small focal length for precise light beam control, then the lighting precision is improved, but the weight increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical design parameters by using a thin lens with a specific focal length in combination with a reflector system, rather than relying on a single thick lens. This parameter change allows achieving the same lighting precision with reduced weight and simplified production.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into multiple components: a thin lens, a reflector with specific geometry, and a light source positioned at the focal point. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a lighter overall system while maintaining precise light control.
2Manufacturing precision
If a thick lens with small focal length is used, then the light beam control is improved, but the production complexity increases due to shrink marks and manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the lens thickness parameter and focal length to create a thin lens design that is easier to manufacture without shrink marks. The reflector geometry is also optimized to work effectively with the thin lens, simplifying the overall production process while maintaining light beam control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized thin lens design that can be mass-produced using conventional manufacturing techniques, avoiding the need for complex custom-molded thick lenses. This copying of a proven design reduces production complexity and eliminates shrink mark issues.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a collector with certain height is used, then the light collection efficiency is improved, but the heightwise bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reflector with a specifically curved surface geometry that efficiently collects and redirects light rays. This curved surface design achieves high light collection efficiency within a compact height, eliminating the need for a bulky collector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the reflector's geometric parameters, including surface curvature and position, to maximize light collection efficiency while minimizing the overall height of the assembly. This parameter optimization allows the system to be compact without sacrificing energy collection performance.
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 design achieves a compact and economical light module with improved robustness and reduced sensitivity to positioning tolerances, allowing for sharper cutoffs and more homogeneous light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a collector with a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light source into a light beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical system configured to project the light beam; noteworthy in that the optical system is configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a light module, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source capable of emitting light rays; a collector with a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light source into a light beam along an optical axis of the module; an optical system configured to project the light beam. The collector is configured so that a portion of the light rays of the light beam are parallel to the optical axis or have an angle of inclination a smaller than or equal to 25° in a vertical plane with respect to said axis; and the optical system is configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector. The invention also relates to a light device comprising one or more such light modules.