Exterior Mirror Turn Signal Light Guide With Hidden Coupling Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exterior mirror turn signal lighting systems fail to provide optimal illumination and aesthetic integration, particularly due to visible light coupling points and instability issues with existing light guide designs.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module design featuring light guides with connecting optics that obscure coupling points and incorporate information optics for enhanced aesthetic appeal, using nanomodified acrylic glass for high-resolution laser engraving and stable light distribution, and various connection methods for seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light guide is used to transport light from LED to indicator, then light distribution can be controlled, but the light coupling point becomes visible from outside disrupting the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting piece is introduced as an intermediary element between the light guide and the housing. This connecting piece is optically opaque and conceals the light coupling point, preventing it from being visible from the outside while allowing the light guide to maintain its light distribution function. The connecting piece acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between functional light transport and aesthetic appearance.
2Illumination intensity
If the light guide is divided into several sections, then light distribution can be optimized, but the stability and continuous surface of the light guide are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light guide sections and the connecting piece are merged into a single integrated component. The connecting piece is designed to be seamlessly integrated with the light guide sections, forming a unified structure that maintains structural stability and visual continuity. This merging approach allows optimized light distribution across sections while preserving the overall stability and continuous appearance of the light guide assembly.
3Illumination intensity
If additional LEDs are integrated into the turn signal, then visibility for road users is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide system is designed to serve multiple functions: it transports light from the LED to the indicator, provides structural support, conceals coupling points through its opaque connecting piece, and maintains aesthetic appearance. By making the light guide multi-functional, the system achieves improved turn signal visibility without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structural element performs multiple roles.
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 achieves improved light intensity and aesthetic integration by hiding light coupling points and enhancing the decorative appearance, while ensuring structural stability and efficient light emission.
Implementation Method 1
The light from an LED is coupled in at one end of the light guide and transported over the entire length. The light is emitted over the entire length of the light guide depending on the density of the decoupling devices
Implementation Method 2
A character 11 is written into the connecting optics 9. A special plastic is used so that a character can be inscribed using a laser.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting module for a vehicle, consisting of a housing (2), at least two light guides or light guide sections (3, 3') which are arranged in the housing and extend along the outer contour (16) of the lighting module, at least two LEDs ( 7, 7'), which are arranged on at least one circuit board (6) in the housing, with the light from the at least two LEDs being coupled into the at least two light guides, and between the light guide sections of connecting optics (9) which are adapted to the outer contour of the light guides and has information optics (10) in its interior. Furthermore, the invention relates to a turn signal module for an exterior mirror with a lighting module and an exterior mirror in whose housing a turn signal module is integrated.