Signal Light with Partial Deflection Surfaces for Homogeneous Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal lights for motor vehicles face challenges in integrating two signal light functions with different colors while maintaining a homogeneous appearance, efficient use of installation space, and cost-effectiveness, as they often require additional optics and larger light guides, leading to inefficient light distribution and reduced homogeneity.
Innovation Solution
The signal light employs a light guide with partial deflection surfaces arranged to couple light from two sources, subdividing light bundles and reflecting them to create a homogeneous appearance, allowing for even illumination and minimizing the need for additional space or costly components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate optics are used to mix light beams from different light sources, then light distribution can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and additional panes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light mixing function directly into the light guide by integrating partial deflection surfaces into its structure. Instead of using separate optics to mix light beams from different light sources, the light guide itself performs the mixing function through its internal deflection surfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves multiple functions: it guides light from different sources, mixes the light beams through integrated partial deflection surfaces, and distributes the combined light to the exit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate optics and panes, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light guide with larger cross-section is used to combine different light sources, then all light functions can be combined, but no animation is possible and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple light guide sections, each handling specific light functions. This segmentation allows different light sources to be combined within a compact structure without requiring a uniformly large cross-section throughout, thereby reducing overall installation space while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the cross-sectional area to combine multiple light functions, the patent uses the longitudinal dimension by arranging light guide sections in sequence. This dimensional transition allows multiple light sources to be integrated without proportionally increasing the installation footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If several light entrances are used to mix light in the beam path, then light functions can be combined, but the light emission cannot be optimally served
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light entrances are merged into a single integrated light guide structure with unified light distribution. The partial deflection surfaces within the light guide efficiently mix light from multiple sources and direct it toward a common exit, optimizing light emission while maintaining the ability to integrate multiple light functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different colored light sources are positioned under a common light entrance, then functions can be combined, but a larger focal length lens is required increasing installation space and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as an intermediary between different colored light sources and the final light output. It receives light from multiple sources with different colors, mixes it through partial deflection surfaces, and distributes it uniformly. This intermediary function eliminates the need for larger focal length lenses, reducing installation space and cost while maintaining function combination capability.
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 achieves a more homogeneous and efficient light distribution for dual-color signal functions without increasing installation space or costs, ensuring a consistent and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Implementation Method 1
first light entry optics which are set up to receive a light beam emanating from the first light source and to transform it into a light beam propagating in the light guide section
Implementation Method 2
second partial deflection surface is illuminated with light of the second partial bundle of light of the second light color reflected at the third partial deflection surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A signal lamp is presented, comprising a light guide section (18.6), a first light source (20), and a second light source (22) that emit light of different colors. The light guide section (18.6) has deflection surfaces (40, 42, 44, 46) that split the light of different colors into partial beams and spatially interchange some of these partial beams. This improves the resolution with which a light-emitting surface of the light guide section is illuminated.