One-Part Imaging Lens for Compact Vehicle Light Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle light systems are bulky, complex, and prone to imaging quality degradation due to multiple optical components, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces robustness.
Innovation Solution
A compact light system featuring a one-part imaging lens with a non-structured convex light entry surface and a convex light exiting surface, along with a mask between the lens sections, to directly image divergent light from the light source, minimizing installation space and eliminating the need for additional optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical components are used in the light system, then the imaging function can be achieved, but the installation depth increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (collecting lens, light-structuring element, and dispersing lens) into a single one-part imaging lens. This integration maintains all necessary imaging functions while reducing the total number of components, installation depth, and system complexity. The single lens is fabricated with multiple functional zones that perform the roles of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-part imaging lens serves multiple optical functions simultaneously. It acts as a collecting lens for divergent light, incorporates light-structuring elements for pattern generation, and functions as a dispersing lens for light distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components.
2Reliability
If multiple optical components are used in the light system, then the imaging function can be achieved, but the adjustment precision is difficult to maintain and robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical components into a single monolithic lens structure, the patent eliminates interfaces and adjustment mechanisms between components. The fixed internal structure ensures that optical relationships remain stable over time and under impact, preventing degradation of imaging properties.
3Reliability
If multiple optical components are used in the light system, then the imaging function can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components into a single one-part lens that can be manufactured as one piece using injection molding or similar processes. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing, precision assembly, and alignment procedures for multiple components, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and handling complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact light system is designed with minimal components, then the installation space is reduced, but the imaging quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The one-part imaging lens incorporates different functional zones with locally optimized properties. The lens includes a collecting zone for divergent light, light-structuring zones for pattern generation, and dispersing zones for light distribution. Each zone is designed with specific curvature and refractive properties to maintain high imaging quality while keeping the overall lens compact.
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 results in a robust, cost-effective light system with consistent image quality throughout its lifetime, capable of projecting patterns without edges or defects, while requiring less installation space and being less susceptible to impact.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens section with a non-structured and convex light entry surface curved in the direction of the light source for the entry of the divergent light of the light source into the imaging lens
Implementation Method 2
a second lens section with convex a light exiting surface curved in the light propagation direction for imaging the light entered
Data Source
AI summary
A light system includes a light source for emitting divergent light, and only one imaging lens arranged in front of the light source in the divergent light for imaging the divergent light directly received from the light source, where the imaging lens is one-piece fabricated part and comprises a first lens section with a non-structured and convex light entry surface curved in a direction of the light source for the entry of the divergent light of the light source into the imaging lens, a second lens section with a convex light exiting surface curved in a light propagation direction for imaging the light entered, and a mask arranged between the first and second lens sections for modifying the light entered into the first lens section before leaving the light exiting surface.