Asymmetrical TIR Optical Body for Vehicle Headlight LED Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TIR optics for vehicle headlights face limitations in accommodating multiple LEDs, leading to impaired light quality and inhomogeneous light distribution due to the rotationally symmetrical design, which restricts the number of LEDs that can be optimally positioned and limits design flexibility in headlight designs.
Innovation Solution
The central light coupling surface of the TIR optics body features a smooth base surface with an optical structure that deflects light rays to propagate parallel to the optical axis, allowing for efficient parallel direction of light from multiple LEDs without the need for side walls, enabling a compact and homogeneous light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional TIR optics with rotationally symmetrical design are used, then the optical body can be easily manufactured, but the number of LEDs that can be optimally positioned is limited to 1-2, resulting in impaired light quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a rotationally symmetrical TIR optical body to an asymmetrical design where the light coupling area is open on multiple sides (at least two opposing sides). This asymmetrical configuration enables optimal positioning of multiple LED light sources (more than 2) while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized optical components.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are positioned in conventional TIR optics, then light output levels can meet legal requirements, but the light distribution becomes inhomogeneous and light quality is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light coupling area into multiple open sides (at least two opposing sides) rather than a single enclosed space. This segmented approach allows each LED to be positioned in its own optimal location while maintaining homogeneous light distribution across the entire optical body, resolving the conflict between high light output and uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different coupling surface configurations in different regions of the optical body. Each open side of the light coupling area can be optimized for specific LED positioning requirements, allowing local optimization of light entry for each LED while maintaining overall homogeneous light distribution throughout the optical system.
3Device complexity
If rotationally symmetrical TIR optical bodies are used, then the design is simple and manufacturing is easy, but design flexibility for headlight aesthetics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry to provide design flexibility by opening the light coupling area on at least two opposing sides rather than maintaining rotational symmetry. This asymmetrical design enables diverse headlight aesthetic configurations while keeping the optical body structure relatively simple and manufacturable through standardized processes.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the light coupling area is enclosed on all sides, then light from a single LED can be efficiently coupled, but multiple LEDs cannot be optimally positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the previously enclosed light coupling area into multiple open-sided regions. This segmented configuration maintains efficient light coupling for each individual LED while accommodating multiple LEDs (more than 2) within the same optical body, thereby increasing both the number of LEDs and overall light output.
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
This configuration ensures a homogeneous and efficient light distribution for multiple LEDs, improving the light quality and design flexibility in vehicle headlights, allowing for more compact and aesthetically versatile optics.
Implementation Method 1
TIR optical body is formed from an optically transparent material, wherein the TIR optical body has a light coupling area and a light exit surface, wherein light from the light sources, which is fed into the TIR optical body via the light coupling area, exits at least partially via the light exit surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle headlight, for a rear light, or for a signal light, wherein the lighting unit (1) comprises an extruded TIR optical body (2) and at least one light source. A light coupling area (10) of the TIR optical body (2) has a central light coupling surface (112) which comprises a, preferably smooth, base surface (113) on which an optical structure (114) is arranged, which is designed such that, upon entering the TIR optical body (2) via the central light coupling surface (112), light rays are deflected at this surface, viewed in a projection onto a plane (A) spanned by the optical axis (X) and the first direction (Y), or parallel to this plane, such that these light rays propagate parallel to each other within the TIR optical body (2), viewed in this projection.