3D Luminescent Vehicle Lighting With MEMS-Directed Signal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems using LEDs face limitations in light emission efficiency and aesthetic design, requiring numerous LEDs to meet regulatory requirements, which restricts the range of available aesthetic designs.
Innovation Solution
A lighting assembly incorporating a 3D luminescent structure with photoluminescence material, such as quantum dots, and a MEMS reflector to enhance light emission and create visually appealing floating effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large number of LEDs are employed to produce sufficient signal lighting, then the light emission intensity meets regulatory requirements, but the aesthetic design freedom is limited and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the lens. The reflector captures and redirects light that would otherwise be lost, increasing the overall light output efficiency without requiring additional LEDs. This mediator component enables better illumination intensity while maintaining a simpler LED array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies optical parameters by using a lens with specific refractive index and curvature designed to work in conjunction with the reflector. By changing the optical parameters of the lens-reflector-LED system, the light distribution and intensity are optimized, allowing fewer LEDs to achieve the required signal lighting intensity.
2Loss of energy
If conventional reflector and lens are used to transmit LED light, then the structure is simple, but the light transmission efficiency is insufficient requiring more LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as an intermediary that captures stray light from the LED and redirects it through the lens toward the target area. This additional optical element improves light transmission efficiency by reducing light loss, while the integrated design keeps the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional luminescent structure within the lighting assembly that adds a new spatial dimension to light emission. This 3D structure, positioned at a specific depth within the lens, creates floating visual effects and improves light distribution in multiple directions, enhancing transmission efficiency without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If numerous LEDs are spaced to provide required lighted surface area, then regulatory requirements are met, but the aesthetic design range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector and lens combination acts as an intermediary system that amplifies and redistributes light from fewer LEDs across the required surface area. This allows the lighting assembly to meet regulatory lighted area requirements while using a more flexible LED arrangement that accommodates various aesthetic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
By incorporating a 3D luminescent structure at a specific depth within the lens, the patent creates visual interest and aesthetic appeal without relying solely on the arrangement of multiple LEDs on a flat surface. This third dimension provides design versatility while maintaining the required lighted surface area.
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 solution provides enhanced light emission and allows for more complex lighting patterns, improving aesthetic design options while meeting regulatory requirements with fewer LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
a photoluminescence material configured to emit visible light having at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength and in response to excitation by the light having the first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a MEMS reflector configured to adjust a reflection of the light having the first wavelength for selectively illuminating one or more portions of the 3D luminescent structure
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly for a vehicle includes: an illumination source configured to emit light having a first wavelength, a housing defining a chamber, and a three-dimensional (3D) luminescent structure located in the chamber. The 3D luminescent structure includes a photoluminescence material configured to emit visible light having at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength and in response to excitation by the light having the first wavelength. A lighting element for a vehicle includes a flat panel and a support structure holding the flat panel at a fixed position. The flat panel includes a photoluminescence material configured to emit visible light in response to an excitation by light having a wavelength different from the visible light. The support structure appears unilluminated to present an effect wherein the flat panel appears to float in space.