Transparent Vehicle Lamp Lens with Integrated Reflecting Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle lamps have a simple function and dull appearance, lacking uniqueness and value, necessitating an innovative structure to enhance their functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A transparent vehicle lamp design featuring two lenses with a reflecting surface and light emitting members, where light beams are reflected along an optical axis to create a unique light output pattern, allowing for both forward and rearward signaling while showcasing scenery images, utilizing Total Internal Reflection theory to optimize light utilization and diffusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a conventional vehicle lamp structure is used, then the lamp can perform basic lighting and signaling functions, but the appearance is dull and lacks uniqueness

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoidfunctionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent lens is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light for signaling, reflects light for illumination, and forms images of scenery for aesthetic purposes. This multi-functionality allows the lamp to maintain basic lighting and signaling functions while adding unique visual characteristics through the transparent design that showcases internal structures and reflected images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If a transparent lens design is used to enhance appearance, then uniqueness is improved, but light transmission and distribution may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into distinct functional zones: a transparent main body for aesthetic purposes, a light incident surface for light entry, a light output surface for light transmission, and an integrated reflecting surface for light redirection. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while maintaining the overall transparent appearance that provides uniqueness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the lens have different optical properties tailored to their specific functions. The light incident surface is optimized for light entry, the reflecting surface for light redirection, and the light output surface for light transmission. This local optimization ensures that light transmission and distribution are not compromised despite the transparent design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If multiple light emitting members and reflecting surfaces are added to improve light distribution, then illumination quality is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distributionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflecting surface is integrated directly into the lens structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of the reflecting function into the transparent lens body allows for enhanced light distribution and illumination quality while avoiding the complexity of additional separate reflecting components, mounting structures, and alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enhances the uniqueness and value of vehicle lamps by providing effective signaling, improved light distribution, and a neat appearance, while reducing mounting costs and preventing increased volume, thus increasing product competitiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a reflecting surface adapted for reflecting the light beam incident from the light incident surface toward the light output surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a lens adapted for transmitting light that is emitted from the light emitting member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3514448B1Transparent vehicle lamp
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 T Y C BROTHER IND CO LTD
  • EP3514448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3514448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3514448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transparent vehicle lamp includes at least one lens (1) having a main body portion (11) and a first light input portion (12). An optical axis (L) extends through the main body portion (11) in a front-rear direction. The main body portion (11) has a reflecting surface (111) intersecting with the optical axis (L), a coupling surface (112) connected to a periphery of the reflecting surface (111) and a light output surface (113) spaced apart from the reflecting surface (111) and the coupling surface (112) along the optical axis (L) such that the image of a scenery toward which the coupling surface (112) faces is formed on the light output surface (113).