Rearview Mirror Illumination Module With Freeform Logo Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle illumination systems lack efficient projection of icons or logos onto the ground without using multiple lenses and masks, resulting in suboptimal light distribution and increased component complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single freeform optic lens with a customized design, generated using a mathematical algorithm that solves differential equations for a 3D surface, provides both ground illumination and icon projection without the need for multiple lenses or masks, utilizing a single light source and emitting diode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple lenses and masks are used to project icons or logos onto the ground, then the projection function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and light distribution homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (ground illumination and icon/logo projection) into a single freeform optic lens. This eliminates the need for multiple separate lenses and masks, reducing device complexity while maintaining both illumination and projection functions through one integrated optical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single freeform optic lens performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ground illumination while also projecting icons or logos onto the ground. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required separate dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple lenses and masks are used for icon projection, then the projection capability is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and design time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical components into a single freeform lens, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations required. The single-component design eliminates alignment procedures between multiple lenses and masks, significantly reducing both manufacturing complexity and design time.
3Device complexity
If a single freeform optic is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control light rays precisely may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The freeform optic employs locally varied optical properties across different regions of the lens. Different zones of the lens have specifically tailored refractive indices and surface curvatures to control light rays precisely for different functions (illumination vs. projection), enabling high precision light control within a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional rotationally symmetric lenses to freeform surfaces with complex three-dimensional geometries. This additional geometric freedom allows precise control of light ray paths in multiple dimensions, compensating for the reduction in component count while maintaining or enhancing optical precision.
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 solution enhances light distribution homogeneity, allows for larger and brighter projected images, reduces design time and components, and provides both ground illumination and icon projection with improved uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination module includes an optic (such as a lens optic or reflector optic) that is designed via an algorithm that generates the optic that provides ground illumination and/or a projected icon or logo or indicia
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element and an illumination module that includes a freeformed lens optic and a circuit board with an illumination source disposed thereat. With the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at a side of a vehicle, light emitted by the illumination source passes through the freeformed lens optic and provides ground lighting that illuminates a ground region located at the side of the vehicle. The ground lighting includes (a) ground illumination of the illuminated ground region and (b) within the ground illumination of the illuminated ground region, a logo formed by the freeformed lens optic. The logo formed by the freeformed lens optic has a light intensity greater than any light intensity of the ground illumination of the illuminated ground region. The illumination module is snap-attached at a portion of the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly.