Motor Vehicle Light Module with Microprojector and Translucent Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle light modules lack the ability to provide luminous vehicle branding and effective communication with the analogue environment, particularly in enhancing visibility at night and in autonomous driving scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle light module incorporating a microprojector with a projection device and a partially translucent projection screen element, where the projection device includes a projection lens and aperture array to project predefinable light patterns, allowing for visible information such as symbols or logos, utilizing low-power LED light sources and scattering particles for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional light modules are used for vehicle branding, then the branding is visible during daytime, but the visibility is insufficient at night
Solution Approach 1:
The projection screen element changes its optical properties by transitioning from a reflective state during daytime to a translucent state when illuminated, allowing the branded information to be visible both during daytime (via reflection) and at night (via transmitted illuminated patterns)
Solution Approach 2:
The projection screen element acts as an intermediary that carries branded information and can be illuminated by the microprojector to project luminous patterns, serving as a mediator between the light source and the environment to achieve visible branding at night
2Illumination intensity
If powerful light sources are used to enhance visibility at night, then the light pattern becomes more visible, but the scattered light values may exceed approval limits
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture element is designed with specific local optical properties that control the direction and distribution of transmitted light, ensuring that light is projected in a controlled manner to achieve visibility while maintaining scattered light values within approval limits
Solution Approach 2:
The projection device uses optical principles similar to fluid dynamics, where the aperture element acts as a flow controller for light, directing the luminous flux in specific patterns while controlling the dispersion and intensity of scattered light
3Volume of moving object
If a compact projection device is used, then the module size is reduced for easier installation, but the projection quality and light pattern clarity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The projection device is segmented into distinct functional elements (light source, projection lens, aperture element) that can be independently optimized and positioned, allowing compact arrangement while maintaining projection quality through precise relative positioning of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning the aperture element in the focal plane of the projection lens, creating a three-dimensional optical arrangement that achieves effective projection in a compact footprint by exploiting focal plane geometry
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 enables significant enhancement of luminous design branding with increased visibility of light patterns, particularly at night, and facilitates communication in autonomous driving environments without requiring powerful light sources or complex installations, ensuring compliance with scattered light values and durability against environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
the projection device is arranged downstream of the at least one light source in the direction of radiation and is configured to shape the light distribution and to project it onto the at least one at least partially translucent projection screen element
Implementation Method 2
The at least one projection screen element can therefore at least partially scatter and at least partially absorb light forming the light distribution, whereby the predeterminable light pattern - seen from the motor vehicle light module - becomes visible to the outside
Implementation Method 3
the at least one aperture is arranged in a focal plane of the at least one projection lens and has aperture edges, which aperture edges have a shape corresponding to the predeterminable light pattern
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle light module (1) comprising at least one microprojector (2) and at least one at least partially translucent projection screen element (3), wherein the at least one microprojector (2) is configured to create a light distribution (4), wherein the light distribution can be projected, in the form of a predefinable luminous pattern (5), onto the at least one at least partially translucent projection screen element (3), wherein when the motor vehicle light module (1) is in a switched-on state, the predefinable luminous pattern (5) is visible on a side (30) of the projection screen element (3) facing away from the microprojector (2) and contains optically displayed information.