Continuous Omega Light Guide Member for Automotive Headlight Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lighting apparatus configuration results in decreased light intensity at the central portion of the light guide member, light leakage, and increased costs due to non-uniform shaping of the light guide member.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus with a continuous light guide member extending along the peripheries of main lighting bodies, featuring a subsidiary lighting body with an ω-shape and an LED light source at the upper ends, which supplements light to the central portion and reduces leakage, while using a heat sink for efficient heat dissipation and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate left and right light-emitting portions are used in the light guide member, then the light guide member can be simpler in structure, but the light intensity decreases at the central portion and light leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate left and right light guide members into a single continuous light guide member that extends along the periphery of both main lighting bodies. This continuous structure eliminates the gap between separate portions, preventing light leakage and improving light intensity distribution at the central portion while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Illumination intensity
If the light guide member is shaped non-uniformly to improve light distribution, then light intensity can be optimized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the light guide member specifically at the peripheral regions of the main lighting bodies rather than uniformly throughout. The light guide member is strategically placed where light guidance is most needed, allowing effective light distribution while maintaining a simple, cost-effective design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the light guide member extends continuously along peripheries of main lighting bodies, then light leakage is prevented and appearance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light guide member into distinct functional portions: a first light guide member portion extending along the periphery of each main lighting body, and a second light guide member portion connecting them. This segmentation allows the light guide member to follow the peripheral contours of the main lighting bodies effectively, preventing light leakage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
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 enhances light distribution, reduces light leakage, and simplifies the light guide member shape, resulting in improved appearance and reduced costs by ensuring consistent light intensity and efficient heat management.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide member light source (77) is an LED
Implementation Method 2
a substrate (82), on which the light guide member light source (77) is mounted, is mounted, together with a heat sink (91), at each upper portions at left and right of the housing (61)
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus includes: a housing; a lens that covers a front surface of the housing; main lighting bodies housed in the housing, the main lighting bodies including left and right two headlights emitting light; a light guide member formed into an ω-shape to extend continuously along peripheries of the two-headlight main lighting bodies; and an extension that partially covers the light guide member from a front. Light source groups that emit light to be guided to the light guide member are disposed on upper end portions at left and right of the ω-shape. The light guide member has a center bent portion bent at a position posterior to the extension.