Rear Signal Light with Bent Optical Guide for Versatile Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rear signaling equipment for motor vehicles lacks the ability to produce a second light function from the same light source without compromising the compactness or obstructing the visibility of the number plate, despite advancements in LED technology.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light guide with a bent portion positioned outside the PCB box, allowing an additional light source such as a rear fog or reversing light to be installed without hindering the number plate visibility, using LEDs with independent photometric characteristics and a striated output surface for optimal light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two reflectors are used to produce a second light function, then the light function versatility is improved, but the device complexity and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide function and the second light function (rear fog light or reversing light) into a single integrated optical assembly. The light guide that directs light to the number plate also serves as the optical path for the additional light function, eliminating the need for separate reflectors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides light from the number plate illumination LEDs to illuminate the plate, and simultaneously serves as the optical component for the second light function (rear fog light or reversing light). This multi-functionality approach allows one component to replace what would traditionally require separate components, improving compactness
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional light sources are installed, then the light function versatility is improved, but the number plate visibility is worsened due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the additional light sources and their optical paths in a different spatial dimension or orientation relative to the number plate. The light guide for the second function is arranged to project light in a direction that does not overlap with or obstruct the light path to the number plate, thereby adding functionality without compromising plate visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly is designed with localized light distribution characteristics where different regions of the light guide direct light to different areas. The light guide structure ensures that light for the second function is directed away from the number plate area, while light for plate illumination is concentrated on the plate, maintaining local quality of illumination without mutual interference
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
Enables the installation of additional light functions like rear fog or reversing lights without modifying the vehicle's rear facade, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining number plate visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide with a bent portion positioned outside the PCB box, allowing an additional light source such as a rear fog or reversing light to be installed
Implementation Method 2
the output portion of the light guide has a striated output surface which generates a distribution of the light adapted to the regulatory light, these striations allowing a dispersion of the light adapted vertically and horizontally
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a rear signalling equipment (100) with multiple lighting functions for a motor vehicle, comprising a printed circuit board (21) with at least one light source (3) optically coupled to a primary lens (5) for lighting a planar license plate (7), characterised in that an additional light source (32) is arranged on the printed circuit board (21) and is optically coupled to at least one optical light guide (52; 52a, 52b, 52c) connected to a regulation signaling light optical unit (63), the light guide (52) conducting the light emitted by the additional source (32) in the form of a beam (F2) that is kept, in use, outside the field of lighting of the license plate (7).