Non-Uniform Mask for Vehicle Lighting Light Shadow Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting modules for motor vehicles waste a significant amount of light due to imprecise positioning and shaping of masks, which block unwanted rays but also obstruct desired light beams, and there is a growing demand for customizable light and shadow effects to enhance interior and exterior designs.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a mask that is optically coupled to a light source and an optical system, where the mask is designed to pass a projecting portion of light rays while blocking others, forming patterns of light and shadows on surfaces, and can be manufactured using materials like plastic, ceramic, or metal through methods like selective laser sintering, allowing for complex designs that enhance ornamental light distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mask is used to block unwanted light rays, then the precision of light beam direction is improved, but a significant amount of light is wasted due to imprecise positioning and shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed with non-uniform geometry where different regions have different functions: some areas are optimized for blocking unwanted rays while other areas are optimized for transmitting desired light. This local differentiation allows precise control of light direction while minimizing overall light loss by ensuring that only necessary portions of light are blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask positioning system incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow dynamic optimization of the mask's position and orientation relative to the light source and optical deflection devices. This enables real-time optimization of light beam precision while minimizing light wastage based on actual operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the mask shape is precisely determined as a function of optical deflection devices, then the blocking of unwanted rays is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks unwanted rays, shapes the light beam, and can be manufactured using standard processes. The non-uniform geometry is designed to achieve effective ray blocking while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing methods, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask design incorporates specific geometric parameters and dimensional relationships that are optimized to work with standard manufacturing tolerances and positioning systems. By carefully selecting and optimizing these parameters, the design achieves reliable ray blocking without requiring excessively complex manufacturing or positioning systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional uniform masks are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the ability to create customized light and shadow effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The non-uniform mask design creates different local optical effects across its surface, with specific regions designed to produce particular light and shadow patterns. This local differentiation enables customized aesthetic effects while still using standard manufacturing processes to create the varied geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask design transitions from traditional two-dimensional uniform patterns to three-dimensional non-uniform geometry, creating varied light and shadow effects through depth and dimensional variation. This dimensional enhancement provides customized aesthetic effects while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing methods.
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 effectively reduces light wastage by optimizing the mask's design and placement, enabling customizable light and shadow patterns that enhance vehicle lighting aesthetics without increasing complexity or cost, while maintaining the functionality of the light source.
Implementation Method 1
The mask is configured to pass a projecting part of said second portion of the light rays and to cut off passage of a blocked part of said second portion of the light rays
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting device for motor vehicle comprising a light source (2) configured to emit light rays; an optical system optically (9) coupled to a first portion of said light rays (12, 13) and configured to output said first portion of the light rays to provide a vehicle lighting function; and a mask (3) optically coupled to a second portion of said light rays (10, 14, 15). The mask (3) is configured to pass a projecting part of said second portion of the light rays (10, 14, 15) and to cut off passage of a blocked part of said second portion of the light rays such that the second portion of the light rays forms a pattern of light and shadows (16) on a surface.