Motor Vehicle Lighting Device with Nested Optical Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting devices are bulky due to their elongated, curved design, which increases space requirements and complicates their integration into compact headlight or rear light modules.
Innovation Solution
A compact motor vehicle lighting device design featuring optically coupled light guides with distinct light sources, where light from one source is directed to the exit surface of the other guide using a rib-like connecting element, allowing for efficient light distribution and a 3D effect, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light guides are arranged in an elongated, curved shape to achieve multiple lighting functions, then the lighting device can provide both daytime running light and turn signal functions, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second light guide inside the area bordered by the first light guide. The light guides are arranged concentrically where the inner light guide (second) is positioned within the boundary defined by the outer light guide (first), maximizing space utilization while maintaining both daytime running light and turn signal functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar, elongated curved arrangement to a three-dimensional concentric configuration. By utilizing the radial dimension and arranging light guides at different radial positions around a common center, the design achieves compactness while preserving multiple lighting functions that would otherwise require extended linear space
2Device complexity
If light guides are optically coupled to redirect light from one source to another guide's exit surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric optical coupling where the light guides are positioned at specific non-uniform angular intervals (first, second, and third light guides at different positions around the center). This asymmetric arrangement optimizes light distribution while maintaining manufacturable tolerances by avoiding overly symmetric configurations that would require precise angular alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing reflective surfaces specifically at the inner periphery of each light guide rather than uniformly across all surfaces. The reflective properties are localized to where they are most needed - at the inner boundaries facing the center - allowing standard manufacturing processes while achieving the desired optical coupling effect
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 compact and aesthetically appealing lighting solution that can provide multiple lighting functions, such as daytime running and turn signals, with improved optical efficiency and simplified manufacturing, suitable for various vehicle lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
The light guides are optically coupled to one another in such a way that the light from the second light source can at least partially reach the light exit surface of the first light guide
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lighting device (1) comprising at least one first optical waveguide (10) having at least one light coupling-in surface (LE1) and at least one light exit surface (LA1) assigned thereto, and at least one second optical waveguide (20) having at least one light coupling-in surface (LE2) and at least one light exit surface (LA2) assigned thereto. At least one first light source (11) for feeding in light is assigned to the first optical waveguide (10) and at least one second light source (21) for feeding in light is assigned to the second optical waveguide (20). Furthermore, the optical waveguides (10, 20) are optically coupled to one another in such a way that the light from the second light source (21) can pass at least partly to the light exit surface (LA1) of the first optical waveguide (10) but the light from the first light source (11) cannot pass to the light exit surface (LA2) of the second optical waveguide (20). The invention proposes that the light coupling-in surfaces (LE1 and respectively LE2) are arranged in each case with respect to the light exit surfaces (LA1 and respectively LA2) in such a way that an imaginary surface normal (N1 and respectively N2) to a light coupling-in surface (LE1 and respectively LE2) falls within the light exit surface (LA1 and respectively LA2) assigned to the latter (LE1 and respectively LE2). A very compact construction of the motor vehicle lighting device (1) is possible in this way.