Motor Vehicle Projection Module for Compact Ground Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional area lighting devices for motor vehicles require significant installation space and are only visible when the doors are closed or open, limiting their effectiveness in generating a clear light distribution on the ground surrounding the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The integration of compact projection modules with arrays of microlenses and LEDs or laser diodes, which project a light distribution onto the ground, allowing for adjustable installation and maintaining visibility even if the light source is partially dirty, and enabling various patterns and activation events such as unlocking or opening doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional ambient lighting devices are used, then light distribution is provided, but installation space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting function into multiple projection modules, each with its own light source and projection optics. This allows the lighting system to be distributed across multiple small units rather than requiring a single large lighting device, thereby reducing the area occupied by each individual component while maintaining overall lighting coverage and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar lighting to three-dimensional projection by using projection optics to cast light patterns onto the ground surface. This dimensional change allows the lighting information to be displayed in the spatial environment rather than confined to a single plane, improving visibility while using minimal installation space within the vehicle structure.
2Area of stationary object
If ambient lighting is integrated into door handles or door trim, then installation space is reduced, but visibility is limited to when doors are closed or open
Solution Approach 1:
The projection modules are designed to provide multiple functions: they can illuminate the ground when doors are closed, provide visible light patterns when doors are open, and continue to function during door operation. This multi-functionality allows the same lighting system to adapt to different door states and provide consistent visibility across all conditions, unlike conventional systems that are limited to specific door positions.
3Area of stationary object
If projection modules with microlens arrays are used, then sharp light distribution is generated with minimal installation space, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projection modules are designed with self-aligning features where the microlens arrays and light sources are integrated as compact units. The modules can be independently positioned and adjusted to achieve proper alignment, reducing the need for high-precision manual assembly. The compact integration allows the modules to self-correct minor alignment variations, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining sharp light distribution.
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 solution provides a sharp, recognizable light distribution with minimal installation space, ensuring visibility and safety by generating appealing light patterns that are visible both when doors are open and closed, and can be adjusted to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, while maintaining brightness even if the light source is partially covered.
Implementation Method 1
each projection module comprising at least one light source and an array of projection optics, which generates at least part of the light distribution from the light of the at least one light source
Implementation Method 2
Each projection optic in the array of projection optics preferably comprises at least one microlens, which in particular has a diameter of 2000 μm or less
Implementation Method 3
Preferably, one or more LEDs or, optionally, one or more laser diodes are used as the light source in the projection module
Implementation Method 4
Preferably, one or more LEDs or, optionally, one or more laser diodes are used as the light source in the projection module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a surroundings-illuminating device for producing a light distribution (LV) on the ground surrounding the motor vehicle (1). The motor vehicle according to the invention is characterized in that the surroundings-illuminating device comprises one or more projection modules (7) for producing the light distribution (LV), wherein every projection module (7) comprises at least one light source (701) and an array (702) of projection optical systems which from the light of the at least one light source (701) generates at least a part of the light distribution (LV).