Optical Polyhedron Beam Bender for Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multifunction lighting/signaling devices for motor vehicles face challenges in simplifying the geometric arrangement of bending edges, increasing manufacturing complexity, and requiring lengthy switching times between lighting functions, which can cause visual disturbances for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction lighting/signaling device featuring an optical polyhedron with multiple facets and folding edges, allowing for efficient rotation and electronic control of light beam switching, integrated with an elliptical collector and projection lens, to simplify the geometric arrangement and reduce switching times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable optical element with multiple edges is used to create beam cutoff and bending, then lighting functions can be switched, but the mechanical bulk and lengthy switching time increase due to full-length translation movement required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is segmented into multiple independent edges (first edge, second edge, third edge, fourth edge) that can be selectively positioned. Each edge can independently create beam cutoff or bending, allowing different lighting functions to be achieved by activating specific edges rather than moving the entire element across its full length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning multiple edges at different heights above the optical axis. The mobile support can move vertically to select which edge is active, rather than requiring horizontal translation across the full length of the optical element. This dimensional change dramatically reduces the travel distance required for switching.
2Ease of operation
If a rotating element with covers is used to create beam bending, then gradual illumination transition can be achieved, but the mechanical complexity increases and generalization to multiple functions is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is made mobile rather than fixed, allowing dynamic selection of which edge creates the beam cutoff or bending. The mobile support can be positioned at different vertical locations to activate different edges, enabling flexible and programmable control of lighting functions without complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
A single optical element with multiple edges serves multiple lighting functions (low beam, high beam, motorway beam, flat beam, ADB) that would traditionally require separate optical components. The same element can create different beam patterns by selecting which edge is active, greatly simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Speed
If rapid movement and stop of mobile optical element is used for function switching, then acceptable transition speed is achieved, but the space required for full travel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement dimension from horizontal translation across the full optical element length to vertical movement of a compact support structure. The mobile support moves vertically within a small range to select which edge is active, reducing the required travel space from the full length of the optical element to merely the vertical distance between edge positions.
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 enables efficient switching between various lighting functions with reduced mechanical complexity and minimal visual disturbance, enhancing driving safety by optimizing the geometric arrangement and electronic control of light beam transitions.
Implementation Method 1
the beam bender is equipped with reflective optical facets, allowing a light beam to be folded having an efficiency of maximum illumination for each of the functions implemented
Implementation Method 2
comprises at least one elliptical collector with bifocal focus, a light source placed in the vicinity of one of the focal points
Implementation Method 3
a projection lens to form a light beam
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
Figure 4a~4d
Figure 5a~5d
AI summary
The invention relates to a multifunctional lighting/signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one elliptical collector (R) with two focal points (f1, f2), a light source (S) positioned near one of the focal points, and a projection lens (L) for the light beam along a lighting/signaling beam (F). A multifunctional beam bender, formed by an optical polyhedron (1) having more than two optical facets, is provided. Each optical facet has a beam-bending/transmitting edge (BP) that generates a specific lighting/signaling function. The polyhedron (1) is positioned in the path of the light beam, near the second focal point (f2), and is rotatable at least about an axis of rotation (YY) orthogonal to the optical axis (ZZ) of the assembly.Resources (2) for selecting and controlling at least one optical facet and the associated beam-bending/transmitting edge (BP) are provided to return the beam-bending/transmitting edge (BP) to the position of intercepting the light beam near the second focus (f2) by controlling the rotational displacement of the optical polyhedron (1). Application to any type of motor vehicle.