Shared-Component Light Module for Compact Vehicle Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle lighting systems face challenges in reducing space requirements and costs due to separate light sources for lighting and signaling functions, which often have different technologies and powers, making it difficult to integrate both functionalities in a compact and economical manner.

Innovation Solution

A luminous module design that integrates a first assembly for lighting functions with a second assembly for signaling functions, sharing common components such as a reflector and/or support, allowing for reduced component count and space usage by pooling components between the two functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate light sources are used for lighting and signaling functions, then each function can be performed with dedicated components, but the space requirement and component count increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines lighting and signaling functions into a single luminous module, sharing common components such as the light source, reflector, and optical system. This merging reduces the overall space requirement while maintaining the reliability of both functions through dedicated component assignments within the shared module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The luminous module is designed with multi-functionality, where a single module performs both lighting and signaling functions. The common components serve dual purposes: the light source provides illumination for both functions, the reflector directs light for both lighting and signaling, and the optical system projects light for both purposes, thereby reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate light sources with different technologies and powers are used for lighting and signaling, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges lighting and signaling functions into a single module with shared components, reducing device complexity. The common light source, reflector, and optical system are shared between both functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components while maintaining functional optimization through proper design of the shared components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The luminous module is designed as a universal component that performs both lighting and signaling functions. The same light source, reflector, and optical system are used for both functions, reducing manufacturing complexity and component count while maintaining optimized performance for each function through careful design of the multi-functional module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate luminous modules are used for different lighting and signaling functions, then each function can be independently optimized, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lighting and signaling functions into a single luminous module, reducing manufacturing cost through economies of scale. The shared components (light source, reflector, optical system) are manufactured as integrated units, simplifying the supply chain and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining functional independence through proper design of the multi-functional module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design achieves a compact and cost-effective luminous module capable of performing both lighting and signaling functions by reducing the total number of components and space requirements, while maintaining good light output and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector capable of reflecting the first light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical system capable of projecting the reflected first light beam outside the luminous module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight projection: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a light guide configured to guide the second light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 4

the component in common may comprise a diffusing or reflective surface arranged opposite the reflection face of the light guide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12498092B2Light module for lighting and signaling

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a luminous module of a motor vehicle, including a first assembly configured to perform a lighting function with a plurality of first components, and a second assembly configured to perform a signaling function with a plurality of second components. The plurality of second components and the plurality of first components have at least one component in common, making it possible to enhance the compactness of the luminous module.