Optical Fiber Lighting Output Control With a Rotating Light Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting apparatuses in vehicles require multiple light sources to achieve diverse lighting effects, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity due to the need for complicated control methods.
Innovation Solution
A variable lighting apparatus with a light source module, optical fibers, and a light output member divided into regions with light transmission and adjustment portions, controlled by a drive unit to change the position of the light output member, minimizing the number of light sources and enabling diverse lighting patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to implement various lighting images, then lighting diversity is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light output member is divided into multiple regions (first region with light transmission portion, second region with light blocking portion, third region with light scattering portion) that can be independently configured to create different lighting patterns. This segmentation allows a single light source to produce diverse lighting effects by controlling different portions of the output member.
Solution Approach 2:
The light output member is configured to be rotatable relative to the optical fibers, allowing dynamic repositioning of the different regions (transmission, blocking, scattering) to match with the light sources. This dynamic adjustment enables a single light source to generate multiple lighting images by changing the orientation of the light output member.
2Device complexity
If a digital micro-mirror device is applied to minimize the number of light sources, then the number of light sources is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electronic control system of a DMD with a simple mechanical rotation mechanism. The light output member rotates to different positions to select which region (transmission, blocking, or scattering) aligns with the light source, providing intuitive mechanical control instead of complex digital mirroring control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the light output member (rotation angle) to control lighting patterns. By rotating the light output member to different angular positions, different regions are aligned with the light source, thereby changing the lighting output without requiring complex control algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a light output member with multiple regions is used to diversify light output patterns, then lighting versatility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light output member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light transmission window, a light blocking mask, and a light scattering element, depending on which region is positioned at the light source. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single rotating component, avoiding the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of transmission, blocking, and scattering elements into a single light output member. Instead of having separate components for each function, all three functional regions are integrated into one rotatable structure, simplifying the overall system while maintaining lighting versatility.
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
Reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the structure while allowing for various lighting images and patterns by selectively changing the position of the light output member, thus diversifying light output without increasing the number of light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a light transfer unit including a plurality of optical fibers each having one end disposed to receive the light emitted from the light source module
Implementation Method 2
a lens part configured to concentrate the light, which is generated by the light source, on one end of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A variable lighting apparatus allows the light to selectively enter the plurality of optical fibers by changing the position of the light output member having a circular plate shape in the state in which the number of light sources is minimized, such that the optical fibers simultaneously or individually emit light, and thus the patterns in which the light is to be outputted are diversified. In addition, the variable lighting apparatus may minimize the number of required light sources and implement various lighting images only by using the light output member, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs and simplifying the structure.