Multifocal Lens Segmentation for Compact Vehicle Optical Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules for motor vehicles that combine daytime running light and direction indicator functions suffer from bulkiness and production difficulties due to the need for complex light source coupling systems, resulting in photometric losses.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical unit featuring a converging multifocal lens with a corrugated face having distinct portions that focus on separate light sources, allowing for the simultaneous production of two photometric functions with improved luminous power distribution and reduced bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common light guide with light source coupling system is used to combine multiple lighting functions, then dual photometric functions can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into distinct portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) with different optical properties. Each portion is optimized for specific light sources and functions, allowing independent optimization without requiring complex coupling systems. The first portion handles the first light source for daytime running light, the second portion handles the second light source for direction indicator, and the third portion manages light from both sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the light guide are assigned different optical characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first portion has optical properties optimized for the first light source and daytime running light function, while the second portion has properties optimized for the second light source and direction indicator function. This local optimization eliminates the need for complex universal coupling mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a common light guide with light source coupling system is used, then multiple functions can be integrated, but photometric losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into function-specific segments that directly channel light from corresponding sources without requiring complex coupling. This segmentation minimizes light scattering and absorption at interfaces, reducing photometric losses while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic light source coupling system from the design. By eliminating this intermediate coupling mechanism, the patent directly connects light sources to function-optimized light guide portions, thereby removing a major source of photometric losses while preserving the ability to perform multiple lighting functions.
3Reliability
If separate optical modules are used for different lighting functions, then each function is optimized, but the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple function-optimized light guide portions are merged into a single integrated light guide structure. This merging allows separate optimization of each function's light path while maintaining a compact unified form factor, reducing the overall volume compared to using separate optical modules for each lighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges different light guide portions and light sources in a compact three-dimensional configuration within the single optical module. By utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions, the design achieves function optimization equivalent to separate modules while consolidating them into one compact unit.
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 optical unit achieves efficient and compact dual-functionality with enhanced light distribution, optimizing light intensity and range while maintaining a small footprint, thereby improving visibility and visual appeal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one converging multifocal lens, comprising at least one corrugated face, the corrugated face comprising at least three distinct portions, two of these portions focusing substantially on the first light source and the other portion being positioned between these two portions and focusing substantially on the second light source
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: a first and a second light source that are spaced apart from one another; and a convergent multifocal lens including at least one corrugated surface, the corrugated surface comprising separate portions, wherein two of said portions are substantially focused on the first light source, and the other portion is positioned between said two portions and is substantially focused on the second light source.