Vehicle Outer Lens Light-Guiding Structure for Surface Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination apparatuses for motor vehicles face challenges in integrating a surface light emission function compactly while efficiently guiding light out of the outer lens.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a light-guiding layer and a light deflection device within the outer lens, utilizing structures like prisms, lacquers, or scattering particles, to efficiently direct light for surface illumination, combined with opaque and reflective layers for design and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a surface light emission function is integrated into the illumination apparatus, then the illumination capability and design appeal are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional light-guiding layers and deflection structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-guiding layer and light deflection device into a single integrated structure within the outer lens. The light-guiding layer is formed as one piece with the light deflection device, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the surface light emission function
Solution Approach 2:
The outer lens is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the protective cover and the light-guiding structure for surface illumination. The light-guiding layer and light deflection device are integrated into the outer lens material, allowing the same component to perform both protective and illuminative functions
2Use of energy by moving object
If light is guided efficiently out of the outer lens for surface illumination, then the light transmission efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity of the outer lens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflection device is provided only in the specified region of the outer lens where surface light emission is required, rather than throughout the entire lens. This localized approach ensures efficient light guidance in the necessary area while minimizing the overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The light-guiding layer acts as an intermediary structure that receives light from the light-emitting device and directs it to the light deflection device. This intermediate layer facilitates efficient light transmission by providing a dedicated light-guiding path within the outer lens material
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
Achieves a simple and compact realization of surface light emission with appealing design effects, while maintaining transparency for radar radiation and supporting additional light functions like low beam, main beam, and driver assistance features.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmissive light-guiding layer (4), which preferably extends along the entire surface extent of the outer lens (1) and which is preferably non-light-scattering
Implementation Method 2
a light deflection device is provided in the specified region of the outer lens in order to deflect passed-on light in the light-guiding layer in a manner such that it exits via the outer lens
Implementation Method 3
the light deflection device comprises a light coupling-out structure, for example in the form of corresponding coupling-out optical units or prisms
Implementation Method 4
a reflective layer is provided at least in sections on the opaque layer, with the reflective layer reflecting light passed on in the light-guiding layer
Implementation Method 5
the light deflection device comprises light-scattering particles in the light-guiding layer
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a housing which is covered by an outer cover glass and has a surface illumination function in order to illuminate a predefined region of the surface of the outer cover glass when viewed from above from the outside onto the outer cover glass. An illuminant is provided at least in sections at the edge of the outer cover glass, and the outer cover glass includes a translucent light-guiding layer into which the illuminant radiates light along the planar extent of the light-guiding layer during operation. The light-guiding layer transmits the irradiated light along the planar extent, and a light-deflecting device is provided in the predefined region of the outer cover glass in order to deflect transmitted light in the light-guiding layer such that it emerges via the outer cover glass.