Motor Vehicle Light Device with Merged Surface Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle light devices face challenges in compactness due to the need to juxtapose multiple surface-type light sources for various lighting and signaling functions, which complicates the design and increases size.

Innovation Solution

A light device comprising a first and second surface light source, where the first surface source emits light rays that pass through the second surface source to create two distinct light beams along a shared optical axis, allowing for compact production of multiple light functions using an extended optical surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple surface-type light sources are juxtaposed to produce various lighting and signaling functions, then the light device can provide diverse functions (high beam, low beam, fog beam, indication), but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting and signaling functionsVSAvoidstructure compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light sources (first light source, second light source, third light source) into a single integrated light device with a unified optical system. The light sources are arranged in close proximity and share common optical components, merging their functions into one compact structure rather than using separate fixtures for each lighting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light device is designed to perform multiple lighting and signaling functions simultaneously using a single integrated structure. By arranging multiple light sources and optical elements to work together, the device provides high beam, low beam, fog beam, and indication functions through one universal light assembly rather than requiring separate dedicated fixtures for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple surface-type light sources are juxtaposed to produce various lighting functions, then the functional requirements are met, but the visual appearance shows spot or linear patterns instead of a continuous surface appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting functionsVSAvoidvisual appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light sources and optical elements into a single integrated light device with a unified optical system. The light sources are arranged in close proximity and share common optical components, merging their functions into one compact structure rather than using separate fixtures for each lighting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved or tapered optical elements such as tapered lenses or freeform surfaces that redirect light rays to create a continuous, uniform light distribution pattern. These curved optical surfaces blend the light from multiple discrete sources into a seamless visual appearance, eliminating spot or linear patterns and achieving a uniform illuminated surface effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 the compact production of multiple light functions, such as high beam, position indication, and direction change indication, while maintaining a surface-type visual appearance, by utilizing a combination of reflecting and transparent organic light-emitting diodes and light guides to direct and combine light rays effectively.

Implementation Method 1

the first surface source is totally reflecting. For example, the first surface source can have a rear wall provided with a reflecting coating, for example of aluminum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the first semi-reflecting surface source can be suitable for reflecting only light rays of wavelength chosen from first predetermined wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic reflection: Dichroic Filter

Implementation Method 3

the first surface source is an organic light-emitting diode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 4

the light guide is arranged so that the light emitted by the generally spot light source penetrating into the light guide through the input face is propagated by total internal reflection on the guiding faces to the output face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10072811B2Light device comprising surface light sources

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

A light device, notably for lighting and/or signaling, for a motor vehicle, suitable for emitting at least one first light beam and one second light beam, the device comprising a first surface light source and a second surface light source, in which: the first surface source is suitable for emitting first light rays (F1) toward the second surface source, the second surface source being arranged so that these first rays pass through it to participate in the first light beam, and the second surface source is suitable for emitting second light rays (F2), these second rays participating in the second light beam.