Rear-Mounted Reflex-Reflective Element for Automotive Side Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting and signaling devices with side signaling functions have optically ineffective reflective zones due to mounting ribs and visible fixing elements, which hinder optimal side signaling and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A lighting and signaling device with a reflex-reflective element mounted to the rear of the bezel, utilizing a housing space with interposed elements like ribs for secure positioning, and an occulting element to align light sources, optimizing optical performance and appearance by hiding ineffective parts from external view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the reflex-reflective element is mounted at the front of the bezel using interposed elements such as ribs, then the element can be securely fixed, but the optically ineffective parts increase and the appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by positioning the reflex-reflective element at the rear of the bezel instead of the front. This inversion allows the optically effective front face of the element to be fully visible and functional while the mounting ribs and interposed elements are hidden at the rear, eliminating their negative impact on optical performance and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the mounting location from the front surface (2D plane) to the rear surface (another dimension), creating a housing space within the bezel thickness. This dimensional change allows the mounting structure to be concealed while the optical surface remains exposed and effective.
2Strength
If the reflex-reflective element is mounted at the front of the bezel, then the element can be securely fixed, but the fixing elements are visible from the outside and detract from appearance
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mounting location to the rear of the bezel, the patent ensures that the fixing elements (mounting ribs and interposed elements) are positioned on the hidden rear face, making them invisible from the outside while maintaining their securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mounting function from the visible front face and relocates it to the hidden rear face. This separation allows the optical surface to be clean and aesthetically pleasing while the mounting structure performs its function independently at the rear.
3Illumination intensity
If reflex-reflective elements with larger optically effective visible surfaces are used, then the side signaling function is improved, but the space occupied increases and is detrimental to device operation
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the rear face of the bezel and the internal housing space, the patent enables a larger optically effective surface area of the reflex-reflective element to be positioned within the existing device volume, effectively using the third dimension (depth) to accommodate the optical element without increasing the external footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the reflex-reflective element within the housing space created by the bezel structure itself, utilizing the existing internal volume of the device to accommodate the optical element with its large effective surface area.
4Illumination intensity
If reflex-reflective elements with larger optically effective visible surfaces are used, then the side signaling function is improved, but the appearance is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the mounting approach so that the large optically effective surface is positioned at the front where it is visible and functional, while the mounting structure is inverted to the rear where it is hidden, thus achieving both optical effectiveness and aesthetic appearance.
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
Enhances optical performance and appearance by optimizing the use of space and concealing optically ineffective parts, improving the side signaling function while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
the reflex-reflective element comprises an optical system of the catadioptric type implementing reflective faces arranged in such a way that a ray of light reaching this element is reflected thereby in a direction substantially parallel to its direction of incidence
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting and/or signaling device for a motor vehicle able to perform a side signaling function, the device comprising a bezel provided with an opening and a reflex-reflective element arranged at this opening, the reflex-reflective element being mounted to the rear of the bezel.