Multicolor Vehicle Lamp Optics for Uniform Beam Across Colors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multicolor vehicle lamps face complexity and inefficiency in achieving uniform illumination patterns across different colors due to the use of separate light sources and differing optical properties of various wavelengths, particularly lacking sufficient turquoise light sources and requiring complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A multicolor vehicle lamp design comprising at least two light sources with different wavelengths, a primary optical element segmented into parts, and a secondary optical element, where each part of the primary optical element is individually shaped to process and direct light from a corresponding light source, ensuring the same illumination pattern and distribution regardless of color, using computer simulation for design and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical elements are used for each light source to accommodate different wavelengths, then each light source can be optimized for its specific color, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single primary optical element that serves multiple light sources with different wavelengths. The optical element is configured with multiple input surfaces, each optimized for a specific wavelength range, allowing one component to handle multiple colors (white, orange, turquoise) without requiring separate optical elements for each light source, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining optical performance
2Device complexity
If a single optical element is used for multiple light sources, then device complexity is reduced, but uniform illumination pattern across different colors cannot be achieved due to different reflection properties of wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different input surfaces on the same primary optical element, each tailored to the specific wavelength characteristics of corresponding light sources. The first input surface is optimized for white light, the second for orange light, and the third for turquoise light, allowing each surface to reflect and direct its specific wavelength range optimally while maintaining uniform illumination patterns across all colors from the same viewing direction
3Temperature
If light sources are spaced apart for heat dissipation and construction, then each light source can be properly positioned, but the same optical element cannot be used for both sources due to different input angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the primary optical element into distinct input surfaces (first, second, and third input surfaces) that are spatially arranged to receive light from separately positioned light sources. This segmentation allows each input surface to be optimized for its specific light source's position and wavelength while all surfaces work together within a single integrated optical element, accommodating both heat dissipation requirements and optical performance
4Device complexity
If multicolor LEDs are used to provide different colors with the same optical elements, then construction is simplified, but sufficient intensity in all colors particularly turquoise is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of separate LED technology with integrated optical design by combining multiple individual LED light sources (white, orange, turquoise) with a unified primary optical element. This approach allows each LED to operate at its optimal intensity for its specific wavelength while the optical element integrates their outputs into a cohesive illumination system, achieving both high intensity in all colors and construction simplicity
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 lamp achieves seamless color switching without altering the illumination pattern or distribution, maintaining compliance with legal requirements and simplifying construction, while allowing for distinct color signaling.
Implementation Method 1
The primary optical element comprises at least two input surfaces and a common output surface... each input surface is optimized for receiving light of a specific wavelength range... The shape of the primary optical element is designed... to direct light from the first, second, and third light sources towards the same area of the secondary optical element
Implementation Method 2
The fact that different colors of light, i.e., different wavelengths, behave differently when processed by optical elements further complicates constructing multicolor lamps, because even if the different colors of light could be provided to the same optical element from the same direction, the outputted light would be different for different colors due to differences in reflection of different colors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Multicolor vehicle lamp (1) and a primary optical element (3) for the lamp (1). The lamp (1) has at least two light sources (2) of different color, a primary optical element (3), and a secondary optical element (4). The primary optical element (3) comprises at least two parts (5), each part (5) comprising an input surface (6) and a corresponding output surface (7), wherein some light source (2) corresponds to each part (5) and is directed towards the input surface (6) of the corresponding part (5). Each part (5) is individually shaped for receiving and processing light of given wavelength from the corresponding light source (2) and directing the light towards the same area of the secondary optical element (4) as all the other parts (5). Both the optical elements then provide an output light beam (8) of the same shape and direction regardless of which of the at least two light sources (2) is turned on.