N-gon Vehicle Collimator with Circular Sectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collimators for vehicle light devices face geometrical inefficiencies and non-homogeneous light distribution, particularly when transitioning between circular and n-gon shapes, affecting the signal light and daytime running light functions.
Innovation Solution
A collimator design featuring an n-gon output area composed of first and second circular sectors, where each sector is tangential or circumscribed around the n-gon, ensuring efficient light collimation and homogeneous appearance by adjusting the shape and material distribution to match the n-gon's geometry, and optionally integrating a lens along the lighting axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a circular collimator is used, then the light distribution is homogeneous, but the geometric efficiency and appearance are compromised when an n-gon shape is required
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into multiple identical modules arranged radially around a central axis. Each module contains a light source, reflector, and lens assembly that collectively form an n-gon output pattern. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both the desired n-gon geometric shape and maintain high luminous efficiency through optimized individual module performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the collimator are designed with specialized optical properties. The central region uses a specific lens curvature while the peripheral regions use different curvatures to achieve the n-gon shape. Each local region is optimized for its specific function, allowing the overall system to maintain homogeneity while achieving the target geometric form.
2Shape
If the collimator geometry is changed to n-gon, then the light distribution homogeneity deteriorates, but the geometric accuracy improves
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator design intentionally introduces controlled asymmetries in the form of an n-gon geometry while maintaining rotational symmetry. The asymmetric n-gon shape is achieved through specific lens curvature variations and reflector geometries that compensate for the non-circular form, ensuring homogeneous light distribution across all n facets.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the collimator components are specifically adjusted to accommodate the n-gon geometry. Lens curvatures, reflector angles, and light source positions are optimized as variables to maintain uniform light output across the asymmetric n-gon output area, achieving both geometric accuracy and distribution homogeneity.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard circular collimator design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the appearance and geometric precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator design uses a modular approach where identical standard components (lenses, reflectors, mounting structures) are reused multiple times in different orientations to create the n-gon shape. This universal use of standardized parts simplifies manufacturing while achieving the complex geometric form, as the same component specifications can be used across all n modules.
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 provides high luminous efficiency and geometrically accurate light distribution, addressing the inefficiencies of prior art by creating a collimator that maintains high efficiency and homogeneity across various light functions, including daytime running and position indicators.
Implementation Method 1
The collimator comprises n first parts and n second parts... each first part... comprises the first sector of the first circular collimator... each second part... is comprised in a second sector of the second circular collimator
Data Source
AI summary
The collimator comprises an output area approximately having the shape of an n-gon with legs and apices, for collimation of light rays emitted by a light source. In viewing the collimator from the side from the optical source in the direction of the lighting axis, the collimator comprises n first parts and n second parts. Each first part is associated with one of the legs of the n-gon and comprises the first sector of the first circular collimator, approximately inscribed in the n-gon so that this leg is tangential to the outline of the circular output area of the first circular collimator. Each second part is associated with one of the apices and is comprised in a second sector of the second circular collimator, approximately circumscribed around the n-gon so that the outline of the output area of this second circular collimator passes through the apex.