Motor Vehicle Signaling Device Surface Light Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicle signaling devices lose their aesthetic 'signature' at night due to limited visibility of their outer surface when lighting and/or signaling functions are activated, and existing solutions complicate production and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a main light source and an auxiliary surface light source, preferably using organic light-emitting diodes, to ensure photometric functionality while enhancing aesthetics by providing a homogeneous luminous appearance and adjustable form without increasing production complexity or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a traditional single light source is used for signaling functions, then the photometric function is fulfilled, but the aesthetic signature is lost at night when the light is activated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidsignature visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The signaling device is divided into two distinct light sources: a main light source for photometric signaling functions and an auxiliary surface light source for aesthetic signature. This segmentation allows each light source to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between functional illumination and aesthetic visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the signaling device are assigned different light sources with different properties. The main light source provides intense directional light for signaling, while the auxiliary surface light source provides diffuse ambient light for aesthetic appearance. This local differentiation allows both functions to coexist without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the surface area of headlamps and lights is increased to enhance aesthetics, then the aesthetic signature is improved, but the disparity between useful lit surface and complete external surface is accentuated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight surface areaVSAvoidsignature visibility at night
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary surface light source is distributed across the entire external surface of the light assembly, including areas not required for photometric functions. This ensures that the complete external surface, not just the useful lit surface, remains visible and maintains the aesthetic signature at night.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a single-point light source to a distributed surface light source, adding a dimensional aspect to light emission. The auxiliary surface light source emits light from the entire external surface area, creating visibility in multiple directions and dimensions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If existing solutions use additional light sources and complex screen patterns to maintain aesthetic appearance, then the signature visibility is improved, but the production complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignature visibilityVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary surface light source is integrated directly into the light assembly housing or casing, merging the aesthetic lighting function with the structural component. This eliminates the need for separate screens, reliefs, or complex optical elements, thereby reducing production complexity while maintaining signature visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary surface light source serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aesthetic signature visibility, creates ambient lighting effect, and can potentially indicate different vehicle states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device.

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

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 allows for a standardized, aesthetically enhanced appearance of signaling devices at night, ensuring readability and maintaining the vehicle's signature while simplifying production and reducing costs by using conformable and cost-effective OLED technology.

Implementation Method 1

The surface light source includes an organic light emitting diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrganic light-emitting diode: Organic Light-emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2542828B1Signaling device for a motor including a surface light source
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2542828B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP2542828B1 patent drawingFigure 7~13
  • EP2542828B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical device (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a lighting and/or signaling device (1) for a motor vehicle, which includes a main light source (4) and an auxiliary light source (2), characterized in that the auxiliary light source includes a surface light source.