Optical Unit Light Guide Card Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting and signaling devices with optical guides face challenges in maximizing light injection efficiency and preventing light leaks, which affect the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the headlight or projector design.
Innovation Solution
The optical unit includes a light source mounted on a card with an electric circuit, where the card is securely attached to the light guide using a cap with snap-fastening mechanisms, allowing precise positioning and preventing light leaks through a cap design that surrounds the light guide and includes latching lugs and positioning tabs for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the light source is positioned close to the light guide to maximize light injection, then light injection efficiency is improved, but positioning precision and alignment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a card as an intermediary component between the light source and light guide. The card carries the light source and includes positioning features (positioning tabs, positioning lugs) that interface with corresponding features on the light guide, enabling precise alignment and maximum light injection while simplifying the assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the assembly structure is simplified to ease manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but light leak prevention and positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the cap component: it provides snap-fastening for assembly simplicity, includes light-blocking functionality to prevent light leaks, and features positioning tabs for precise alignment. This merging of functions achieves ease of manufacture without compromising light leak prevention or positioning precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning features are added to ensure precise alignment, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function into separate, simple features: positioning tabs on the card and corresponding positioning lugs on the light guide. This segmentation of the positioning function into discrete, simple elements achieves precise alignment without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 maximum light injection into the guide while preventing unsightly light leaks, enhancing the assembly process and maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the vehicle's lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
the light rays emitted by this source are propagate by total reflection along the length of the guide towards its opposite end
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical unit (1) intended, for example, for a signalling and/or lighting device of a motor vehicle. The optical unit comprises: at least one light source, such as an LED; at least one board (3) bearing the light source, said board including an electric circuit for powering the light source; and a light guide (5) made at least partially from a material in which the light can propagate, said guide being arranged to receive the light originating from the light source and to guide same. The optical unit is characterised in that the board is borne by the light guide.