Optical Unit Twisted Reflector Segmented Lens Glare Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive lamp systems with rotating reflectors face challenges in maintaining a clear light distribution pattern due to twisted reflective faces and potential glare issues, especially when sunlight is focused onto components, leading to damage and inefficiencies in light projection.
Innovation Solution
An optical unit comprising a rotating reflector with a twisted blade-shaped reflective face and a projector lens having distinct focal planes, where the light source is positioned to create a virtual image that matches the reflective face's angle, allowing for a clear and desired light distribution pattern, and a shade with a central shielding portion to prevent glare and external light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a rotating reflector with a twisted blade-shaped reflective face is used to form a light distribution pattern, then the light distribution pattern can be formed, but the light source image cannot be clearly projected depending on the reflection direction
Solution Approach 1:
The projector lens is divided into multiple lens regions (first lens region, second lens region, third lens region) corresponding to different reflection directions of the twisted blade. Each lens region has a different focal plane positioned at different distances from the lens, allowing clear projection of the light source image in each specific direction while maintaining the overall light distribution pattern.
2Reliability
If a fixed shade is provided to prevent sunlight from focusing on the rotating reflector, then component damage is prevented, but glare occurs due to reflected light from the rotating shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The shade is designed with a through-hole at its center, creating a local opening in the otherwise continuous shielding structure. This allows the shade to block sunlight from reaching the rotating reflector and prevent component damage, while simultaneously allowing reflected light from the rotating shaft to pass through and avoid glare.
3Device complexity
If the projector lens has a single focal plane, then the structure is simple, but the light source image cannot be clearly projected in all reflection directions
Solution Approach 1:
The projector lens is segmented into multiple lens regions with different focal planes. The first lens region has a first focal plane, the second lens region has a second focal plane, and the third lens region has a third focal plane. Each region is optimized for specific reflection directions, allowing clear image projection across all directions while maintaining a relatively simple integrated lens structure.
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 the formation of a clear and desired light distribution pattern with reduced glare and component damage, improving the optical performance and reliability of automotive lamps by adjusting the reflective face and using a shade to manage light effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating reflector structured to be rotated in a single direction with a rotational axis as a center of rotation while reflecting light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a projector lens structured to project the light reflected by the rotating reflector in a light irradiation direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit includes: a light source; a rotating reflector configured to be rotated in a single direction with the rotational axis as the center of rotation while reflecting light emitted from the light source; and a projector lens configured to project light reflected by the rotating reflector in the light irradiation direction. The projector lens has a first lens region LR1 that defines the first focal plane and a second lens region that defines the second focal plane that differs from the first focal plane. The light source is arranged such that, when the rotating reflector is set to the first rotational position, its virtual position is in the vicinity of the focal plane, and such that, when the rotating reflector is set to the second rotational position, its virtual position is in the vicinity of the focal plane.