Slim Profile LED Lighting Assembly for 3D Occultation Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based automotive signal lights face challenges in achieving sufficient light output due to the limited light emission of LEDs compared to incandescent bulbs, requiring a large number of LEDs and limiting aesthetic design options.
Innovation Solution
A slim profile LED-based lighting assembly that uses a plurality of LEDs disposed on an illuminator substrate, combined with a mask defining an obscuration pattern and a reflection chamber with partially-reflective layers to generate occultation imaging, providing a three-dimensional lighting effect with parallax, depth, and brightness variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large number of LEDs are employed to produce sufficient signal lighting, then the light output requirement is met, but the aesthetic design is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated reflector-lens assembly. The reflector portion and lens portion are merged into one component that simultaneously performs light reflection and light transmission functions, eliminating the need for separate reflector and lens assemblies and reducing the overall number of parts required in the lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated reflector-lens assembly serves multiple functions: it reflects light from LEDs, transmits light through the lens, creates occultation imaging effects, and provides aesthetic design flexibility. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient light output.
2Loss of energy
If conventional reflector and lens are used to transmit LED light, then light transmission is achieved, but transmission efficiency is insufficient requiring more LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector and lens are merged into a single integrated assembly with optimized optical pathways. The reflector portion is positioned and shaped to maximize light reflection toward the lens, while the lens portion is designed to efficiently transmit the reflected light. This integrated design reduces optical losses that would occur with separate components and improves overall transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific geometric parameters and optical properties in the integrated reflector-lens assembly, such as curved surfaces, specific angles of incidence, and material selection, to optimize light reflection and transmission. These parameter optimizations minimize energy loss and maximize the efficiency of light transmission from LED to output.
3Area of stationary object
If a large number of LEDs are spaced to provide required lighted surface area, then regulatory requirements are met, but design versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated reflector-lens assembly provides multiple functions including light transmission, occultation imaging, and aesthetic design in a single component. The lens portion can be designed with various patterns, shapes, and optical properties to achieve different aesthetic effects while meeting the required lighted surface area, providing design versatility without requiring additional LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of occultation imaging by positioning masks between the LED array and the integrated reflector-lens assembly. This creates additional visual effects and design possibilities in the optical path, allowing for complex lighting patterns and aesthetics without increasing the number of LEDs or their spacing.
4Illumination intensity
If LEDs are arranged in direct view configuration, then light output is maximized, but three-dimensional lighting effect with parallax and depth is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated reflector-lens assembly serves multiple optical functions simultaneously. It reflects light to maintain intensity, transmits light through the lens, and creates occultation imaging effects that produce three-dimensional visual effects with parallax and depth perception. This multi-functionality achieves both high light output and sophisticated visual effects without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of occultation imaging by introducing masks in the optical path between the LED array and the integrated reflector-lens assembly. These masks create complex light patterns that produce three-dimensional visual effects, including parallax and depth perception, transforming the simple direct view LED output into a multi-dimensional lighting experience.
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 achieves high-performance, high-efficiency vehicle lighting with greater styling freedom, enabling a broader range of aesthetic designs while maintaining regulatory compliance through the creation of a three-dimensional lighting effect.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mask defining an obscuration pattern and configured to obscure some of the light emitted from the plurality of LEDs and to produce unobscured light corresponding to the obscuration pattern
Implementation Method 2
at least one partially-reflective layer configured to reflect a portion of incident light thereupon and to transmit another portion of the incident light therethrough
Implementation Method 3
transmit another portion of the incident light therethrough
Implementation Method 4
at least one reflective layer defining an interior chamber configured to generate multiple reflections of the unobscured light
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly and method generate a three-dimensional lighting effect with parallax, depth and brightness variability or twinkling among different viewing angles using an LED substrate and different optic component layers including one or more obscuration patterns and a reflection chamber for unobscured light from LEDs components not obscured by the one or more obscuration patterns. The LED substrate can employ mini or micro scale package LEDs or their unpackaged LED dies for slim profile lighting assembly. The LED substrate and different optic component layers can be curved, employ direct illumination and occultation imaging.