Rotating Lighting Module for Dynamic Vehicle Welcome Effects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting devices with rotating elements are expensive, complex, and unable to provide an animated welcome light function, limiting their ability to meet modern lighting requirements and generate dynamic light distributions.

Innovation Solution

A compact, cost-effective rotating lighting module for vehicles, featuring a cup-shaped housing with multiple identical rotating lighting modules, each comprising a LED light source, reflector, and actuators that allow independent and sequential rotation around two axes, enabling dynamic light distribution and an animated welcome function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rotating lighting modules are used to provide multiple optical functions, then the lighting device can achieve different light distributions, but the construction becomes complex and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical functionsVSAvoidconstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting module is divided into functionally independent segments: a fixed light source unit and a rotating reflector unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying construction while maintaining multiple optical functions through their coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating reflector is designed with multiple reflective surfaces that can be selectively positioned to perform different optical functions. A single rotating component replaces what would traditionally require multiple fixed optical elements, reducing construction complexity while providing versatility.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rotating lighting modules are used to provide multiple optical functions, then the lighting device can achieve different light distributions, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical functionsVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple optical functions are merged into a single rotating reflector component rather than requiring separate optical elements for each function. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating reflector serves multiple optical functions simultaneously, acting as a universal component that replaces what would traditionally require several different optical elements, thus reducing overall production cost.

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

3Device complexity

If traditional lighting modules are used, then the structure is simple, but they cannot generate animated welcome light distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconstructionVSAvoidwelcome light function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is designed to rotate dynamically between different positions, enabling animated light distribution patterns for welcome functions. This dynamic capability is achieved through a simple rotational mechanism rather than complex multi-component systems, maintaining construction simplicity while adding functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the orientation parameter of the reflector to generate different light distributions. By varying the reflector's angular position, the system can produce both normal lighting functions and animated welcome effects using the same basic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If the light source is fixed with respect to the reflector, then the structure is simple, but the light distribution cannot be dynamically changed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidlight distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

While the light source remains fixed relative to the housing, the reflector is made dynamic through its rotational capability. This creates a simple yet effective system where the relative position between light source and reflector changes during operation, enabling dynamic light distribution control without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a reliable, innovative, and cost-effective lighting system capable of generating a dynamic welcome light effect by varying the light distribution and creating a flashing effect through controlled rotation of reflectors and LEDs, enhancing the aesthetic and functional capabilities of vehicle lighting.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first light source (6) of the LED type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

at least one first reflector (7)...designed to intercept a concentrated unidirectional pencil of light produced by the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3354967B1Rotating lighting module with welcome function and lighting device for vehicles
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3354967B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3354967B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3354967B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Rotating lighting module (5) designed to equip a lighting device (1) for vehicles, including a first light source (6), a reflector (7) and an actuator (8) to rotate the reflector relative to the first light source around a first axis (A); wherein the reflector is bore idly by a framed support (4) with an associated lens (9) forming with the reflector a rotating unit (10); the framed support holds rigid in a fixed position a second light source (14) arranged above and behind the first reflector (7), on the side opposite to the lens (9) and a second reflector (30) operatively associated with the second light source (14) and arranged on the rear of the first reflector (7), spaced apart therefrom, on the side opposite to said lens (9).