Micro Lens Array Integrating Turn and Direction Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles require separate modules and complex controllers for implementing turn indicator and travel direction road surface indicator functions, leading to increased complexity and potential synchronization issues.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a micro lens array that integrates both functions through a change in its optical structure, simplifying the lamp package and reducing controller load by controlling both functions with a single light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate modules are used for turn indicator and travel direction road surface indicator functions, then each function can be implemented independently, but device complexity increases and synchronization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the turn indicator function and travel direction road surface indicator function into a single integrated optical module. The micro lens array simultaneously performs both functions by directing light to different areas: one region projects turn indicator signals to the side mirror, while another region projects travel direction indicators to the road surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate modules and their associated controllers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable independent operation of each function through shared optical components.
2Ease of operation
If separate controllers are used for turn indicator and travel direction road surface indicator, then each function can be controlled independently, but controller load and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that manages both the turn indicator and travel direction road surface indicator functions through a single control unit. The controller receives input signals for both functions and coordinates the micro lens array to execute the appropriate optical projections. This multi-functional controller reduces the number of separate control units needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to independently control each function through unified signal processing and coordination.
3Reliability
If synchronization is required for turn indicator and travel direction road surface indicator, then both functions can be coordinated, but controller load increases and potential for confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both indicator functions into a single optical module controlled by one controller, the patent inherently synchronizes the turn indicator and travel direction road surface indicator outputs. Since both functions share the same control unit and optical system, they naturally operate in coordination without requiring complex synchronization protocols. The single controller manages timing and sequencing of both functions simultaneously, eliminating synchronization issues that would arise from coordinating separate modules and controllers.
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
Simplifies the integration of turn indicator and travel direction road surface indicator functions, eliminating the need for synchronization and reducing controller complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator that forms the light from the light source as straight light and emits the straight light
Implementation Method 2
the light emitted from the collimator and incident on the turn indicating array may be reflected by the reflecting plate and incident on the turn indicating array in parallel with an optical axis of the turn indicating array
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for implementing a plurality of functions using a micro lens array may include a light source for generating light, a collimator that forms the light from the light source as straight light and emits the straight light, a road surface pattern array that outputs a road surface pattern indicating a travel direction of a vehicle on a road surface while the light emitted from the collimator passes, and a turn indicating array disposed spaced apart from the road surface pattern array in one direction, and outputting a signal indicating the travel direction of the vehicle while the light emitted from the collimator passes.