Static Bending Light Reflector Layout for Wide Vehicle Side Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlights are limited in their ability to illuminate a large area without changing the exit opening size or packing space, and there is a need for a light system that can extend light sideways to cover an area of 50 degrees or more from the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A light system comprising a plurality of light sources, angled reflectors, and static bending light reflectors that project light outboard of the vehicle's width, using a primary lens to distribute light in different directions, including a static bending light direction region that extends beyond the vehicle's width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional static headlights are used to illuminate a larger area by switching to high beam, then the illumination area is increased, but the light direction is fixed and cannot cover lateral regions beyond the predetermined aperture angle
Solution Approach 1:
The light system is divided into multiple independent light sources (headlight, corner light, static bending light) that can be controlled separately. Each light source has its own reflector and optical path, allowing independent control of light direction and coverage area. This segmentation enables the system to provide both forward illumination and lateral coverage without requiring the entire system to change configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lateral dimension to light projection by using corner lights positioned at vehicle corners and static bending lights with reflectors angled at 45 degrees or more. This adds a sideways light projection capability perpendicular to the traditional forward-facing headlight axis, enabling coverage of areas beyond the conventional illumination cone without increasing the forward aperture angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light system is designed to extend light 50 degrees or more from the vehicle, then the lateral coverage is improved, but the exit opening size or packing space would need to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The static bending light reflector is positioned within the housing structure, nested alongside other light sources and components. The reflector utilizes the existing internal volume of the headlight assembly, angle-polished surfaces to redirect light laterally without requiring additional external space. This nesting approach allows wide-angle lateral coverage while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the exit opening horizontally to achieve wider coverage, the patent uses vertically oriented corner lights and statically bent reflectors positioned at angles of 45 degrees or more. This redirects light in a lateral dimension through angular reflection rather than through a wider aperture, achieving 50 degrees or more coverage without increasing the horizontal exit opening size.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources and reflectors are added to achieve wide lateral illumination, then the light coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (headlight, corner light, static bending light) and their respective reflectors into a single integrated housing assembly. The housing serves as a common structure that accommodates all components, and the reflectors are positioned to work together to provide comprehensive illumination coverage. This merging reduces the number of separate assemblies and simplifies installation while maintaining the complex illumination pattern.
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 system effectively illuminates a wide area around the vehicle without altering the exit opening size or packing space, providing enhanced visibility and obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
one or more reflectors that are angled in a first direction relative to the plurality of light sources
Implementation Method 2
one or more static bending light reflectors that are angled in a second direction relative to the plurality of light sources and the one or more reflectors so that light from the one or more static bending light reflectors are projected outboard of the width of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a primary lens within a vehicle... light is reflected through the primary lens in a static bending light direction region
Data Source
AI summary
A light system comprising: (a) a plurality of light sources configured to be located on a vehicle and project light outboard of a width of a vehicle; (b) one or more reflectors that are angled in a first direction relative to the plurality of light sources; and (c) one or more static bending light reflectors that are angled in a second direction relative to the plurality of light sources and the one or more reflectors.