Transparent Light Module With Dual Reflection Faces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting modules for motor vehicles are bulky along the optical axis and require additional styling surfaces, limiting their compactness and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting module with a translucent or transparent body featuring a first reflection face that uses total internal reflection to deflect rays, a second reflection face for additional ray reflection, and collimators to form beams, allowing for a compact design and aesthetic exit face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single reflection face with cut-off edge is used, then the light beam can be formed with cut-off, but the module size increases along the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second reflection face that is not aligned with the optical axis, creating a three-dimensional ray path that folds back on itself. This dimensional change allows the light to undergo multiple reflections within a compact volume, achieving the cut-off function without extending the module length along the optical axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The second reflection face is positioned within the transparent body such that the ray path folds back through the same transparent material. This nesting of the reflection path within the existing body structure allows multiple optical functions to be achieved without increasing the overall module dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the transparent body extends along the optical axis to accommodate reflection faces, then the light beam can be shaped, but the exit face cannot serve as a styling face
Solution Approach 1:
The exit face is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as the optical exit for the shaped light beam while simultaneously serving as the styling face visible from the outside. The multi-reflection path allows the light to be shaped internally without compromising the external aesthetic appearance of the exit face.
3Shape
If additional styling surfaces are added to improve aesthetics, then the visual appeal increases, but the overall size of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exit face is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as the optical exit for the shaped light beam while simultaneously serving as the styling face visible from the outside. This eliminates the need for separate additional styling surfaces that would increase the overall module size.
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 solution results in a compact light-emitting module that is tolerant to focusing defects, offers flexibility in beam composition, and enhances aesthetics with a precise and homogeneous beam output.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflection face with an edge for cutting off the rays coming from the entry face
Implementation Method 2
a second reflection face for reflecting toward the exit face rays coming from the first reflection face
Implementation Method 3
They are therefore subjected there to strong refraction and are directed toward a lower portion of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting module, notably for a motor vehicle, including a translucent or transparent material body having an entry face for light rays produced by one or more light sources, a first reflection face with an edge for cutting off the rays coming from the entry face, a second reflection face for reflecting toward the exit face rays coming from the first reflection face, and an exit face for the light rays in an exit beam along an optical axis of the module. The invention also relates to a headlight including at least one such light-emitting module.