Central-Lateral TIR Optical Lightguide for Planar Light Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional automotive headlights suffer from limitations such as glare, uneven light distribution, and limited visibility due to inefficient light control, and optical coatings may not be feasible in all applications due to manufacturing costs and material incompatibilities.

Innovation Solution

An optical lightguide comprising a central lens element and lateral lens elements that utilize total internal reflection (TIR) surfaces to convert collimated light into a planar light output, minimizing aberrations and optimizing light distribution, which can be molded from a light transmissive material like silicone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If optical coatings are applied to TIR surfaces to limit efficiency losses, then light efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and material compatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and material compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system utilizes the inherent optical properties of the light transmissive material itself to achieve total internal reflection without requiring additional optical coatings. The material's refractive index and optical characteristics naturally provide the necessary reflection properties, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate coating applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the optical coating layer from the system by designing the light transmissive material with built-in optical properties that replace the coating's function. This removes the coating-related manufacturing complexity and material compatibility issues while maintaining light efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If a single reflector is used in traditional headlights, then device complexity is reduced, but light distribution control and visibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereflector configurationVSAvoidlight distribution control and visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into multiple functional zones within the light transmissive material, including different TIR surfaces and light output regions. Each segment controls specific portions of light distribution, enabling precise directional control and pattern formation while maintaining a unified structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light transmissive material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light through internal reflection, shapes beam patterns, controls light distribution directions, and provides structural integration. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate reflector components while enhancing overall light control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the area of TIR surface relative to light source emission area decreases, then optical element size is reduced, but energy loss through TIR surface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical element sizeVSAvoidenergy loss through TIR surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the refractive index parameters of the light transmissive material to enhance total internal reflection efficiency. By carefully selecting and tuning the material's optical parameters, the system achieves effective light control with minimized energy loss even with reduced TIR surface area relative to the light source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 optical lightguide provides a controlled and efficient light distribution with minimal aberrations, enhancing visibility and reducing glare, suitable for various applications including automotive and aeronautical uses.

Implementation Method 1

a number of optical elements use total internal reflection (TIR) for controlling the movement of light. Example optical elements having a TIR surface include prisms, Fresnel structures, and conic structures.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250341671A1Optical lightguide for providing a planar light output

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 VENTURA MFG1 LLC

AI summary

An optical lightguide for converting a collimated light input into a planar light output is provided. In one embodiment, the optical lightguide includes a central lens element and first and second lateral lens elements. The central lens element defines an input surface, a first TIR surface, a second TIR surface, and an output surface. The input surface is configured to receive a collimated beam of light, while the first and second TIR surfaces define a first deflection angle and a second deflection angle, respectively, for directing a sub-portion of the received light into the first and second lateral lens elements. The first and second lateral lens elements each define one or more TIR surfaces to direct light forwardly as a planar light output.