Optic Assembly Virtual Focus Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting assemblies for rearview mirrors face challenges in size, cost, and efficiency due to the need for multiple light sources and energy consumption, which results in excessive heat and space usage, while also requiring careful alignment to avoid interfering with the driver's line of sight.
Innovation Solution
An optic assembly with a reflector, mask assembly, and light sources, utilizing refocusing, converging, and scattering facets to manage light rays as if they were emitted from a virtual external common focus point, allowing for reduced component count, compact design, and improved thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to provide sufficient illumination for auxiliary features, then lighting coverage and intensity are improved, but heat generation and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (first and second light sources) into a single integrated optic assembly with a unified reflector and mask structure. This merging allows the light sources to work together synergistically, providing sufficient illumination coverage while reducing the need for additional separate lighting components that would generate more heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The optic assembly serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for auxiliary features, directs light through the mirror substrate, and manages thermal characteristics. The single optic assembly structure performs all these functions simultaneously, improving lighting coverage while maintaining controlled heat generation through its integrated design.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources and optical components are included to achieve desired lighting effects, then lighting performance is improved, but the size of the lighting assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the first and second light sources are positioned within the same optic assembly housing, sharing common optical components including the reflector and mask. The mask is positioned to define apertures that both light sources utilize, and the reflector is configured to collect light from both sources. This nesting arrangement achieves desired lighting performance while minimizing assembly size by eliminating redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light sources and optical elements are merged into a single compact optic assembly. The reflector and mask serve both light sources simultaneously, and the entire assembly is designed to fit within constrained spatial dimensions while maintaining effective lighting performance for auxiliary features.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned to provide adequate illumination, then lighting effectiveness is improved, but misalignment issues and sensitivity to positioning errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is designed with a configuration that serves multiple light sources simultaneously, creating a system where the optical path is less sensitive to individual source positioning. The mask with its apertures is positioned to receive light from both sources through the reflector, providing a degree of alignment tolerance while maintaining lighting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element that collects and redirects light from both light sources toward the mask apertures. This intermediary structure provides a degree of flexibility in positioning, as the reflector can accommodate variations in light source location while still directing sufficient light through the mask to achieve effective illumination.
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
This solution enables a compact, energy-efficient lighting assembly that reduces heat generation, allows for greater component packing, and provides enhanced lighting capabilities with improved uniformity and tolerance to misalignment, addressing the limitations of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective surface having refocusing facets, converging facets, and scattering facets. The refocusing facets redirect light rays from the light sources so that a substantial portion of the light rays within the optic assembly can be managed as if they were emitted from a focal point outside the optic assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
An optic assembly has a reflector with a reflective surface, one or more light sources, and a mask with one or more apertures. Facets on the reflective surface direct light rays so that a substantial portion of the light rays within the optic assembly can be managed as if they were emitted from a focal point located outside the optic assembly.