Rear-View Optical Assembly With Aspherical Light Redistribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle light systems using light emitting diodes (LEDs) face challenges in effectively providing visual information to drivers due to the LEDs' small directivity angle, leading to inefficient light distribution and potential obstruction of views for other drivers.

Innovation Solution

An optical assembly featuring a lighting module with a resin layer and a light emitting device, coupled with an aspherical curved reflective surface that directs surface light emitted from the module in a controlled direction, enhancing light distribution and reducing light loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a light emitting diode is used as a vehicle lamp, then power consumption is reduced and semi-permanent life is achieved, but the directivity angle of emitted light is small which limits the light emitting area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlight emitting area
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an aspherical curved reflective surface instead of a flat mirror to redirect light from the LED. This curved geometry allows light emitted in various directions from the small LED to be reflected and distributed over a wider area, effectively increasing the light emitting area while maintaining the energy-efficient LED source

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from direct light emission in one dimension to multi-directional light distribution by introducing a curved reflective surface that redirects light in multiple dimensions, thereby expanding the effective light emitting area without changing the LED itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If light is emitted in various directions from the light emitting diode, then the light emitting area increases, but visual information is not effectively provided to the driver and light may obstruct other drivers' views

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emitting areaVSAvoidvisual information effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The aspherical curved reflective surface is designed with specific local curvature variations that redirect light preferentially toward the driver's position while limiting light emission in other directions. This creates localized light distribution that enhances visual information delivery to the intended recipient while reducing obstruction to others

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the directional parameters of light emission by using a curved reflective surface with specific geometric parameters. This transforms the light distribution pattern from omnidirectional to directionally controlled, improving visual information effectiveness while reducing harmful light obstruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 optical assembly improves luminous intensity and light uniformity, minimizes hot spots, and adjusts luminance values according to the set direction, effectively providing high luminance to the driver while minimizing interference with other vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

an aspherical curved reflective surface that reflects the surface light in a set direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a light emitting device inside the resin layer, and having an exit surface for emitting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4094990B1Optical assembly and rear-view assembly having same
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4094990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4094990B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4094990B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The optical assembly disclosed in the embodiment of the invention includes: a lighting module having a resin layer and a light emitting device inside the resin layer, and having an exit surface for emitting surface light to one side; a reflective portion having a recess in a lower portion of the exit side of the lighting module and an aspherical curved surface at the bottom of the recess; and a transparent cover on the recess to reflect the surface light to a set region.