Thick-Wall Light Guide With Holograms For Multi-Function Brake Lights
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additional brake lights on motor vehicles primarily serve a single function and do not offer additional lighting capabilities beyond warning rear drivers of braking, limiting their functionality and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A dual leg light guide with a primary optical function for brake lights and a secondary optical function, utilizing a thick-wall optical guide with holograms, allows for multiple optical functions such as emergency lighting or information display, achieved through a single optical system with a first light source for primary function and a second light source for secondary functions, enabling activation of one or multiple functions simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-function additional brake light is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability or versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating a first light source for primary brake light function and a second light source for secondary lighting functions (emergency lighting, information display, surrounding lighting) within a single optical system. The control unit enables selective activation of different functions, allowing the same optical hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate lighting systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate lighting systems are used for different functions, then the adaptability or versatility is high, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lighting functions into a single integrated optical system. The first and second light sources share common optical components including the light guide, hologram, and prism assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate optical systems needed while maintaining the ability to perform multiple functions through selective activation controlled by the control unit.
3Manufacturing precision
If a thick-wall optical guide with holograms is used, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hologram (a type of optical copy) that can be applied to the light guide surface. This holographic element replicates complex optical pathways and light distribution patterns without requiring precise mechanical fabrication of those pathways. The hologram serves as an optical template that simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving precise light control.
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
Enhances the functionality of the additional brake light by integrating multiple optical functions within a single system, providing enhanced visibility and information dissemination to rear drivers, while maintaining the primary brake light function.
Implementation Method 1
the light beam from the light source enters through the entry surface into the light guide and afterwards, travels along the legs pursuant to the total internal reflection, and exits through the exit surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to an additional brake light, also known as the third brake light, which is used on motor vehicles in order to warn other participants in road traffic which have partially blocked view to the left and right brake light of the vehicle. It is provided for according to the invention that the additional brake light (3) is formed as a thick-wall light guide (4) with at least one optical element (5, 6) arranged thereon and comprising at least one light source (7, 8).