Matrix Vehicle Lamp Layout for Multi-Function Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lamps struggle to control light distribution for different function lamps, such as tail lamps and brake lamps, which require varying brightness and irradiation ranges, making it difficult to meet the demands of frequent activation and visibility needs.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle lamp design featuring a matrix arrangement of light source modules with LEDs emitting different colors, where the optical axis of the lens body is offset to control light distribution, allowing for adjustable brightness and range through pulse width modulation, enabling the display of various function lamps and images in a single light emitting area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a flat display surface is used to display function lamps, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to control light distribution for each function lamp

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidlight distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light emitting area into multiple independent light source modules, each capable of emitting different colors of light. Each module can be controlled independently to achieve different function lamp displays (tail lamp, brake lamp, turn lamp, etc.), enabling precise light distribution control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pulse width modulation (PWM) to dynamically control the brightness and lighting state of each light source module. This allows real-time adjustment of light distribution for different function lamps, enabling the system to adapt to different lighting requirements (e.g., higher brightness for brake lamps, lower for tail lamps) while using a static flat display surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If different light source modules are disposed for each function lamp, then light distribution can be controlled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes each light source module multi-functional by equipping it with LEDs that can emit multiple colors (red, green, blue). Each module can serve as different function lamps (tail lamp, brake lamp, turn lamp, back lamp) by controlling the lighting combination, eliminating the need for separate dedicated light source modules for each function and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple function lamp capabilities into a single integrated light emitting area with multiple light source modules. By combining different colored LEDs in each module and using PWM control, the system consolidates what would traditionally require separate physical lamp assemblies into one unified structure, reducing complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If brightness is increased for brake lamps, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the brightness of light source modules by varying the duty cycle of the driving signal. For brake lamps, the system can apply higher duty cycles to increase brightness and visibility, while for tail lamps requiring lower brightness, smaller duty cycles are used. This periodic control method enables dynamic energy management, consuming more energy only when high brightness is actually needed for safety-critical functions like braking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 allows for precise control of light distribution, ensuring that function lamps like tail and brake lamps can be displayed with optimal brightness and visibility, while also expanding the visible range for turn lamps, enhancing overall visibility and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

In a light source module 2, a light source 3 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 7 that emit different colors of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a lens body 4 that transmits the light L emitted from the light source 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3951256B1Vehicle lamp
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 STANLEY ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3951256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3951256B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3B
  • EP3951256B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A vehicle lamp (1) includes a plurality of light source modules that includes light sources (3) including a plurality of light emitting elements (7) that emit different colors of light and lens bodies (4) disposed in front of the light sources (3), and the plurality of light source modules (2) are disposed in a matrix manner in a plane to constitute at least one light emitting area.