Vehicle Mirror Turn-Indicator Light Module with Indirect Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turn-indicator light modules in vehicles suffer from non-uniform light distribution and blending effects, making it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to recognize the turn signal uniformly in all directions, especially when the vehicle is at a different height than the observer.
Innovation Solution
A compact turn-indicator light module for external rear view mirrors that uses a combination of light emitting sources on printed circuit boards, a reflector unit, and a lens portion to emit light indirectly along the mirror's contour, providing uniform light distribution and visibility in both the driving and sideward directions without direct exposure of the light source, enhancing the aesthetic appeal by hiding technical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources directly emit light outwards to surrounding traffic, then the turn indicator signal is visible, but non-uniform light distribution and blending effects occur making it difficult to recognize uniformly in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the surrounding traffic. The lens refracts and redirects light rays to achieve uniform light distribution across different viewing angles, eliminating direct line-of-sight to the light source while maintaining signal visibility. This resolves the contradiction by mediating between direct light emission and uniform distribution requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the lens structure. The lens is designed with varying refraction angles and light redirecting characteristics for different spatial zones, allowing light to be distributed uniformly to drivers, pedestrians, and vehicles at different positions while preventing blending effects. This local differentiation of optical quality resolves the uniformity issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are positioned at different heights, then the turn indicator can signal to various directions, but drivers of vehicles at different heights cannot clearly see the turn signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source to an extended linear light source arrangement within the lens structure. This dimensional change allows light to be emitted and redistributed across multiple angular dimensions simultaneously, ensuring consistent brightness perception for observers at different heights and positions without requiring multiple light sources at different elevations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens system, specifically the refraction angles and light distribution patterns, to compensate for varying observer heights. By adjusting these optical parameters, the system maintains consistent signal brightness and recognizability whether viewed from a low sports car or a high truck, resolving the adaptability-brightness consistency contradiction.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources and lenses are used to improve light distribution, then uniform light distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, lens structure, and housing into an integrated assembly where the lens is positioned directly over the light source within a unified housing. This consolidation achieves uniform light distribution through the lens while minimizing the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated optical functionality.
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 ensures uniform light distribution and increased visibility of the turn signal in all directions, reducing blending effects and enhancing driving safety while maintaining a compact and elegant design.
Implementation Method 1
The PCB with the light emitting source is arranged with respect to the reflector unit to emit light indirectly by light reflection of the reflector unit along the major portion of their longitudinal extension between a first end and a second end opposite of the first end through the lens portion of the front housing unit to the driving direction and to a sideward direction
Implementation Method 2
The turn-indicator light module comprises at least one separate light emitting source which is provided for directly emitting light in said sideward direction for indicating a turning intend to pedestrians and crossing vehicles
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a turn-indicator light module (10) for an external rear view mirror assembly (70) having an outer contour (72), comprising a rear housing unit (12), at least one or more light emitting sources (18) mounted on one ore more PCBs (16), at least one reflector unit (20) and a front housing unit (14) comprising a lens portion (22). At least a major portion of a longitudinal extension (24, 24a-24d) between a first end (26, 26a-26d) and a second end (28, 28a-28d) opposite of said first end (26, 26a-26d) of said rear housing unit (12), front housing unit (14), reflector unit (20) and said PCB (16) follows a portion of said outer contour (72) in driving direction (30) of said external rear view mirror assembly (70). Said PCB (16) with said light emitting source (18) is arranged with respect to said reflector unit (20) to emit light indirectly by light reflection of the reflector unit (20) along the major portion of their longitudinal extension (24) through the lens portion (22) of the front housing unit (14) to said driving direction (30) and to a sideward direction (32). Furthermore, the invention relates to an external rear view mirror assembly (70) comprising such a turn-indicator light module (10).