Headlight Signal Light Optics for Daylight Sparkle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal light devices for motor vehicle headlamps, such as daytime running lights, struggle to be effectively recognized from a distance without increasing luminous flux, and they do not perform well in daylight or sunlight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A signal light device comprising a light module with a scattering device and a transparent light refraction body, which generates a sparkling effect by diffusely scattering light rays and utilizing a collimator to align beams parallel, along with a holding body and fastening devices to secure the refraction body, ensuring the light distribution is visible without additional luminous flux and functional in various lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light guides are used to improve visibility from a distance, then visibility is improved, but significant luminous flux is required which increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light refraction body as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the environment. This refraction body, with its specific geometry and refractive index, manipulates light paths to create enhanced visibility through sparkling effects without requiring proportional increases in luminous flux from the LED source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters by using a light refraction body with specific geometric parameters (curvature radius, thickness variations) and material parameters (refractive index). These parameter changes enable the system to achieve superior visibility at lower luminous flux levels by optimizing light distribution patterns rather than simply increasing input energy.
2Device complexity
If conventional light distributions are used to simplify the device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the sparkling effect and visibility in daylight conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional components: a light module with LED sources, a scattering device for initial light diffusion, and a separately mounted light refraction body for sparkle effect generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular assembly using standard fastening devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The light refraction body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the sparkling effect for enhanced visibility, acts as a protective cover for the light module, and provides a mounting structure via integration with the holding body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving superior optical performance.
3Reliability
If the light refraction body is securely fastened to the holding body to improve reliability, then connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function with the structural mounting body by integrating fastening devices directly into the holding body design. The holding body serves dual purposes: mechanical support for optical components and incorporation of fastening elements (screws, clips, or adhesive surfaces) to secure the light refraction body. This merging reduces the need for separate fastening components and simplifies the overall assembly process.
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 enhances the visibility of signal lights by creating a sparkling effect that is clearly visible from a distance, even in daylight or sunlight, without increasing the luminous flux from the light source, thereby improving safety and recognition by other road users.
Implementation Method 1
at least one scattering device which is configured to diffusely scatter the light rays of the at least one light source substantially in the direction of a main emission direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one transparent light refraction body, which light refraction body has a light entry section for coupling in the light rays diffusely scattered by the lighting module and a light exit section for coupling out the light rays coupled into the light refraction body
Implementation Method 3
the light module comprises at least one collimator which is connected downstream of the at least one light source and is configured to align the light beams of the at least one light source parallel to one another
Implementation Method 4
The refracting body (200) further comprises a reflection section (230), which is arranged in the light refraction body (200) to totally reflect coupled light rays
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
1. Signal light device (10) for a motor vehicle headlight, which signal light device (10) comprises: - at least one light module (100), comprising at least one light source (110) for emitting light rays and at least one scattering device (150), which is configured to diffusely scatter the light rays of the at least one light source (110) substantially in the direction of a main emission direction (X), - at least one transparent refractive element (200), which refractive element (200) has a light entry section (210) for coupling in the light rays diffusely scattered by the light module (100) and a light exit section (220) for coupling out the light rays coupled into the refractive element (200), and wherein the refractive element (200) is configured in combination with the at least one light module (100) to generate a signal light distribution,wherein the at least one refractive body (200) comprises a reflection section (230) which is configured to totally reflect light rays coupled into the refractive body (200), wherein the refractive body (200) is spatially bounded by the shell formed by the surfaces of the light entry section (210), the light exit section (220) and the reflection section (230), wherein the light entry section (210) is designed as a planar light entry surface which is arranged orthogonally to the main emission direction (X), wherein the light exit section (220) is formed from several differently oriented, planar exit surfaces (221) which as a whole essentially follow a convex basic shape, such that light rays diffusely coupled into the refractive body (200) are coupled out via the several exit surfaces (221) as a diffuse signal light distribution.