V-Shaped Optical Waveguide Illumination Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive illumination systems face challenges in designing narrow and wide light emitting surfaces with precise illumination, often resulting in unwanted reflections and blurring due to short distances between light sources and optical waveguide components.
Innovation Solution
The illumination apparatus increases the average distance between the light source and the incident surface to at least half the distance between the reflective region and the hologram, allowing light to travel further and reducing reflections, with a V-shaped optical waveguide and convexly curved reflective region for optimal illumination and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distance between the light source and the incident surface is increased, then unwanted reflections are reduced and illumination precision is improved, but the overall length of the illumination apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear distance problem into a spatial configuration problem by using a V-shaped optical waveguide. The light source is positioned at the vertex of the V-shape, and light travels along the two arms of the V to reach the hologram. This dimensional change allows the optical path length to be extended while keeping the overall apparatus footprint compact, effectively resolving the contradiction between illumination precision and apparatus length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the light source within the V-shaped optical waveguide structure, specifically positioning it at the vertex where the two arms meet. This nesting arrangement allows the light source to be integrated into the existing optical path structure, extending the effective optical path length without proportionally increasing the overall apparatus dimensions, thus maintaining compactness while improving illumination precision.
2Shape
If multiple light emitting diodes and parts are used to achieve narrow and wide light emitting surfaces, then the light emitting surface characteristics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the V-shaped optical waveguide perform multiple functions: it serves as both the optical path guide and the structural element that defines the light emitting surface geometry. The reflective regions on the inner surfaces of the V-shape enable the waveguide to both transport and shape light, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing device complexity while maintaining the desired light emitting surface characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light source, optical waveguide, and light shaping elements into a single integrated V-shaped structure. The reflective regions are formed as integral parts of the waveguide walls, merging multiple functional elements into one component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps while achieving the narrow and wide light emitting surface characteristics.
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 solution provides a clean, accurately angled illumination of the hologram, reducing double images and blurring, while enabling a compact and space-saving design suitable for integration into small spaces, with the option for additional optics and coatings to enhance light shaping.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted by the light source enters the incident surface of the optical waveguide in the direction of the reflective region and is reflected by the reflective region inside the optical waveguide in the direction of the hologram
Implementation Method 2
an optical waveguide with an incident surface and a reflective region; light emitted by the light source enters the incident surface of the optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus for a motor vehicle comprises: a light source, an optical waveguide with an incident surface and a reflective region; and a hologram arranged on or in the optical waveguide. The illumination apparatus is configured such that light emitted by the light source enters the incident surface of the optical waveguide in the direction of the reflective region, is reflected by the reflective region inside the optical waveguide in the direction of the hologram and interacts with the hologram. The average distance between the light source and the incident surface is at least half as great as the average distance between the reflective region and the hologram.