Rotating Dual-Function Optical System for Compact Vehicle Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor vehicle lighting systems require precise positioning and heavy, complex components, limiting their compactness and integration of multiple lighting functions.

Innovation Solution

A light device with a dual-function optical system that includes a projection lens and a diffusing screen, allowing rotation between a projection function and a diffusion function, enabling the integration of multiple lighting functions without increasing volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a folding light module with a thick projection lens is used to achieve precise beam control, then manufacturing precision and beam shaping are improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam control precisionVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into two independent functional parts: a projection lens for beam shaping and a diffusing screen for light diffusion. Each component performs a specific function, allowing simplified design and manufacturing while maintaining precise control over the light beam characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A diffusing screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the projection lens and the final beam output. This intermediary component enables precise beam control by managing the light propagation path and ensuring proper light distribution without requiring complex optical corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting functions are integrated into a single device, then adaptability and space utilization are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function integrationVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is designed with multi-functionality, where the projection lens and diffusing screen can work together to provide both lighting and signaling functions. The system can project light beams for lighting purposes and diffuse light for signaling, allowing a single device to perform multiple lighting functions without requiring separate optical systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If a thick projection lens is used with short focal length to achieve compact beam projection, then beam projection capability is improved, but weight and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidlens weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into a projection lens and a diffusing screen, allowing the projection lens to be thinner and lighter while still achieving the required beam projection capability. The diffusing screen compensates for the reduced focal length by managing light propagation, thereby reducing the overall weight while maintaining compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 integration of additional light functions without increasing the device's volume, using existing light sources for both lighting and signaling, while maintaining compactness and simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

one or more collectors each with a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the one or more light sources, called reflected light rays, into a reflected light beam along an optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical system comprising a projection lens performing a first optical function performing the projection of at least the majority of the reflected light beam into a projected light beam by imaging a portion of the or each reflective surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

the optical system comprises an additional part distinct from the projection lens and performing a second optical function performing a diffusion of at least the majority of the reflected light beam into a diffused light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4264123B1Dual-function lighting device with rotating lens
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4264123B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source (6) capable of emitting light rays; at least one collector (20) with a reflective surface (8) configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the at least one light source (6) into a subsequent light beam; an optical system (10) comprising a lens function and configured to project the light beam by imaging a portion of the at least one reflective surface (8) located at the rear of the at least one corresponding light source (6); wherein the lens function is a first function, the optical system (10) comprising a second optical function, said optical system being rotatable about an axis of rotation (14) between a first position where the first function is active and a second position where the second function is active.