Modular DRL with Overlapping Photometric Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Daylight Running Lamp (DRL) lighting devices are designed for specific mounting positions, failing to meet international light distribution standards when mounted in various positions or orientations on vehicles, leading to increased development and production costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular DRL design featuring multiple modules with optical systems that generate wider photometric projections with lower intensity, allowing for overlapping to achieve the required light distribution standards across a range of mounting positions and orientations, using primary and secondary optical systems such as TIR, reflection, or refraction optics with LED or incandescent light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a DRL is specifically designed for each vehicle with a fixed photometric pattern, then the light distribution meets international standards at the specific mounting position, but the device cannot be mounted in various positions or orientations without failing to meet standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position adaptabilityVSAvoidphotometric projection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The DRL device is divided into multiple independent modules, each capable of generating a predetermined photometric projection. These modules can be selectively activated or adjusted based on the mounting position and orientation, allowing the device to adapt to various installation scenarios while maintaining compliance with international standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically selects and adjusts which modules are activated based on the detected mounting position and orientation. This dynamic adaptation allows the photometric projection to be optimized for each specific installation scenario, resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modules with wider photometric projections are used to cover various mounting positions, then mounting position adaptability improves, but light radiation efficiency decreases due to wasted light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position adaptabilityVSAvoidlight radiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically activates only the necessary modules based on the mounting position and orientation, preventing unnecessary light radiation and energy waste. This dynamic selection ensures that light is directed efficiently toward where it is needed while maintaining adaptability across different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting which modules are active and at what intensity levels, optimizing light distribution efficiency for each mounting configuration. This parameter adjustment reduces energy waste while maintaining the required adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a single DRL device design is used for all vehicles, then production costs decrease through economies of scale, but the device must be designed to accommodate all possible mounting positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DRL device is segmented into multiple standardized modules that can be manufactured independently using the same production processes. This segmentation allows for economies of scale in module production while the modular architecture simplifies the overall device structure, as each module is a self-contained, standardized unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each module is designed with universal characteristics that allow it to function in multiple mounting positions and orientations. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized device designs, thereby lowering production costs through economies of scale while maintaining the capability to accommodate various installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

Enables a single DRL device to meet international standards regardless of mounting position or orientation, reducing production costs through economies of scale while maintaining efficient light distribution, despite some 'wasted' light radiation.

Implementation Method 1

an appropriate optical system (either of reflection kind or of transmission kind)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight radiation distribution: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an appropriate optical system (either of reflection kind or of transmission kind)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Possible embodiments of the invention refer to a TIR (acronym of Total Internal Reflection) optical system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2360423B1Light signaling device for vehicles, mountable on board with different inclinations
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 MARELLI AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING ITAL SPA
  • EP2360423B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2360423B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2360423B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A light device (1b) for generating in use a first photometric projection (P2,P3) having requirements of width and intensity such to fulfill a predetermined light distribution law defined by a required photometric projection (P1), including a plurality of modules (M), each of which including a light source (5) and means (6) for distributing the radiation emitted by the light source so as to generate a second photometric projection (P2') which has, along at least one axis of a pair of orthogonal axes (C1,C2) defining the laying plane of the mentioned photometric projections, a greater width than the width required for the first photometric projection (P2,P3) along such axis, according to the predetermined law; the punctual intensity of each second photometric projection generated by the modules (M) being always lower than that of the first photometric projection (P2,P3) and the second photometric projections being at least partially overlapped on one another so as to generate the punctual intensity required for the first photometric projection (P2,P3) so as to have the required photometric projection (P1) include therein.