Rotary Optical Systems for Multi-Function Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting systems face limitations in providing multiple functions with a single light source, particularly with electroluminescence diode (LED) technology, and suffer from reliability issues due to the need for translational movements of components, which restricts beam variation and increases mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting and/or signaling module featuring multiple optical systems arranged on a rotating support around an axis relative to the light source, allowing precise positioning and combination of optical systems to generate various lighting and signaling functions, including high beam, low beam, daytime running light, and turn indicators, using reflective surfaces and lenses to form different beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single light source with a movable shutter or pull-tab element is used to provide multiple lighting functions, then the number of functions is limited to two or the beam variation range is limited, but the device complexity increases due to the need for translational movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple independent optical systems (first optical system with first reflective surface, second optical system with second reflective surface, etc.), each capable of being independently positioned in front of the light source. This segmentation allows each optical system to be optimized for specific lighting functions without requiring complex translational movement mechanisms, as the rotary support simply needs to rotate to position different optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from translational movement (one-dimensional linear motion) to rotational movement (circular motion around an axis). By arranging optical systems on a rotary support that rotates around an axis perpendicular to the light source axis, the system achieves multiple positioning states through rotation rather than translation, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If translational movement of occulting or pull-tab elements is used to switch between lighting functions, then the lighting functions can be switched, but reliability issues arise due to the mechanical movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotary support that can rotate to position different optical systems in front of the light source. This dynamic positioning mechanism replaces static structures with movable components, allowing the system to adapt its configuration by rotating the support to different angular positions, thereby achieving reliable function switching without complex translational mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the translational mechanical movement system (shutters, pull-tab elements moving linearly) with a rotational mechanical system. The rotary support rotates around an axis, using rotational motion instead of translational motion to position optical elements, which simplifies the mechanical design and improves reliability by eliminating the need for precise linear guides and translational actuators.
3Device complexity
If a single reflective surface is shared by multiple functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the beam variation range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal rotary support structure that can hold multiple different optical systems (first optical system, second optical system, third optical system), each with its own reflective surface optimized for specific functions. The rotary support itself is the universal component that enables all optical systems to be positioned in front of the same light source, achieving multi-functionality without requiring each optical system to share a single reflective surface.
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
This solution enables a motor vehicle lighting system to offer multiple functions with improved mechanical reliability and flexibility in beam formation, allowing for precise control and combination of optical systems to achieve diverse lighting and signaling capabilities without the need for translational movements, enhancing the range of beam variation and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Each optical system comprises a reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one, preferably each, of the optical systems comprises an optical focus
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting and/or signaling module (8), particularly for motor vehicles, comprising at least one light source (14) and at least two optical systems (10, 10', 10", 10'") arranged on a rotating support (18) about an axis of rotation (16) relative to the light source(s) (14), capable of cooperating with the rays emitted by the light source(s) to form a light beam, the support (18) being capable of selectively positioning each of said systems (10, 10', 10", 10'") optically opposite the light source(s) (14). The invention also relates to a lighting and/or signaling device (2) comprising one or more modules (8).