Modular Light Guide Device for Homogeneous Vehicle Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber devices for motor vehicle lighting struggle to achieve homogeneous illumination of the light exit surface, leading to inhomogeneous lighting, and often suffer from reflection and transmission losses due to integrated scattering optics within the light guide modules.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber device separates the generation of light distribution from the light exit surface, integrating scattering optics into the lateral surface or coupling module, allowing for parallel light propagation and reducing reflections, and uses embossing for precise surface production, enabling homogeneous illumination and efficient light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If scattering optics are integrated into the light guide module, then light distribution can be generated, but the light exit surface cannot be completely smooth and aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light guide device into separate functional modules: a coupling module containing the scattering optics and a light guide module with the smooth light exit surface. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently - the coupling module handles light distribution while the light guide module maintains aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattering optics are extracted from the light guide module and placed in the coupling module. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the element that prevents a smooth light exit surface while preserving its light distribution function in the coupling module.
2Loss of energy
If scattering optics are integrated into the light guide module, then light distribution can be generated, but reflection and transmission losses increase reducing light guide efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into coupling and light guide modules, the scattering optics are isolated in the coupling module where they can perform their function without causing multiple reflections within the light guide module, thereby reducing energy losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light distribution is generated on the light exit surface, then scattering optics can be integrated, but the light exit surface cannot be used for other aesthetic purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functions to different modules: the coupling module handles light distribution via scattering optics, while the light guide module's light exit surface is dedicated to aesthetic appearance and light emission. This functional segmentation enables both objectives to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The light distribution function is extracted from the light exit surface and relocated to the coupling module, freeing the light exit surface to serve purely aesthetic purposes while maintaining its light emission function.
4Illumination intensity
If scattering optics are arranged in the light guide module, then light distribution can be achieved, but the light exit surface illumination becomes inhomogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering optics are taken out from the light guide module and placed in the coupling module. This extraction allows the light guide module to receive pre-distributed light from the coupling module, resulting in homogeneous illumination of the light exit surface without the complexity of arranging scattering optics within the light guide module itself.
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 configuration results in more homogeneous illumination of the light exit surface, reduces reflection and transmission losses, and allows for adaptable light functions using different coupling modules with various scattering optics, maintaining light distribution consistency along the light guide module.
Implementation Method 1
the light in the light guide should propagate as parallel as possible to a light exit surface and be refracted there in different directions in order to produce a desired light distribution
Implementation Method 2
the light initially propagates largely parallel in the light guide module until it reaches the scattering optics, which reduces the number of reflections and thus contributes to a high efficiency of the light guide due to the avoidance of reflection and transmission losses
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6a~7c
AI summary
The light guiding device (10) comprises a coupling module (12), a light guiding module (14) separated structurally from the coupling module, and a lens (16) for interference of the light distribution. The light guiding module comprises a primary front surface (18) and a secondary front surface (20), which is separated from the primary front surface by a shell surface (22). The lens is arranged at the primary front surface of the light guiding device separated from the secondary front surface for interference of light distribution.