Automotive Optical Module With Protected Light Guide and Redirected Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminous devices for automotive vehicles face issues such as damage from climatic conditions and insecurity due to direct installation in the grille, leading to performance loss from partial obscuration by other parts.

Innovation Solution

An optical module comprising a light guide with a deflecting and sealing member, secured by a support that shapes and secures the guide to the grille, using a transparent or translucent exit outer lens and a deflecting member to redirect light rays effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the light guide is installed directly in the grille without a protective outer lens, then the esthetics and room for maneuver are improved, but the light guide is exposed to climatic conditions and risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveesthetics and room for maneuverVSAvoidprotection from climatic conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transparent or translucent exit outer lens as an intermediary component between the light guide and the external environment. This lens protects the light guide from climatic conditions while allowing light to pass through, thus maintaining both protection and optical functionality without requiring a bulky protective outer lens that would compromise esthetics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The exit outer lens is designed as a thin, transparent or translucent component that provides environmental protection while maintaining visual clarity. This thin-film approach protects the light guide without adding significant bulk or compromising the esthetic appearance of the vehicle's front end

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the light guide is secured firmly to the grille to resist vibrations, then the reliability is improved, but parts may obscure the light guide resulting in performance loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against vibrationsVSAvoidlight guide performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light guide into multiple sections or zones, allowing different portions to be positioned at different distances from the grille surface. This segmentation enables the light guide to be securely mounted while ensuring that no single obscuring part can block the entire light output, as different sections remain visible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide is positioned to extend into the recess of the exit outer lens, utilizing the third dimension (depth) rather than only surface mounting. This dimensional arrangement allows the light guide to be securely mounted while parts of it remain exposed and visible, preventing complete obscuration by grille components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a protective outer lens is used to seal the luminous device, then the sealing and protection are improved, but the esthetics and room for maneuver are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing of the luminous deviceVSAvoidesthetics and room for maneuver

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the protective lens by making it transparent or translucent rather than opaque, and positions it to define a recess rather than forming a solid outer shell. This parameter change allows the lens to provide sealing and protection while remaining visually imperceptible or minimally visible, thus preserving esthetics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides optimal security and performance by protecting the light guide from environmental factors and ensuring clear light emission despite grille vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide comprising a first coupling face capable of receiving light rays emitted by the first light source and capable of diffusing light rays propagating in the light guide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a deflecting member positioned in the recess facing the light guide and arranged to redirect light rays diffused by the light guide toward this deflecting member in the direction of said exit outer lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight redirection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12480633B2Optical module for a light-emitting device of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical module for a light-emitting device of a motor vehicle including a first light source able to emit light rays. A light guide including a first coupling face able to receive light rays emitted by the first light source and able to scatter light rays propagating through the light guide over all or some of its perimeter. A transparent or translucent exit lens, with the exit lens defining a housing in which most of the light guide lies, so that light rays scattered by the light guide pass through the exit lens. A deviating member placed in the housing facing the light guide and arranged to redirect light rays scattered by the light guide toward this deviating member in the direction of the exit lens. A sealing member arranged to keep the deviating member in the housing and to obturate the housing.