Segmented Lamp Lens With Variable Transmissivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle lighting systems lack the ability to independently adjust the light transmissivity of different sections of a lamp assembly in response to environmental conditions or user input, limiting their aesthetic and functional flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a lamp assembly featuring sections made of materials with variable light transmissivity, such as polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal devices (PDLCs), which can be adjusted by applying a voltage, allowing for independent control of transparency and tint of each section, enabling unique aesthetic appearances and adaptive lighting based on environmental conditions or user settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-transmissivity lens materials are used, then the lighting system structure is simple, but the aesthetic flexibility and adaptive capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) with independently controllable variable transmissivity materials. Each section can be adjusted independently to achieve different aesthetic appearances and lighting configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by modularizing the control of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly incorporates materials with variable light transmissivity that can dynamically change between transparent, partially opaque, and opaque states in response to applied voltage. This dynamic capability allows the same physical structure to provide multiple aesthetic appearances and functional configurations, achieving adaptability without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable light transmissivity materials are used in all sections, then aesthetic and adaptive capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies variable transmissivity materials selectively to specific sections (first section, second section, third section) rather than uniformly across the entire lens assembly. This allows adaptive lighting capability to be implemented where most beneficial while maintaining simpler fixed-transmissivity materials in other areas, thus enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly is designed so that sections with variable transmissivity materials can serve multiple functions: providing aesthetic appearance when opaque, allowing light transmission when transparent, and enabling adaptive responses to environmental conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent control of each section is implemented, then aesthetic flexibility and adaptive capability are maximized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented to independently control each lens section (first section, second section, third section) with variable transmissivity materials. Each section can be adjusted independently based on specific requirements, maximizing aesthetic flexibility and adaptive capability while keeping the control architecture modular and manageable rather than monolithic and overly complex.
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 system provides enhanced aesthetic appeal and adaptive lighting capabilities by allowing independent adjustment of light transmissivity, enabling transparency, partial opacity, or opacity of different sections, enhancing the motor vehicle's visibility and appearance under various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second sections each include a material having variable light transmissivity in response to an applied voltage, and wherein the light transmissivity of the first section is adjustable independent of the light transmissivity of the second section
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system may include a lamp assembly including a lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly includes a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections each include a material having variable light transmissivity in response to an applied voltage, and wherein the light transmissivity of the first section is adjustable independent of the light transmissivity of the second section.