Variable Curvature Reflector for Uniform Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle rear signaling devices, particularly the 'lantern' function, suffer from non-uniform illumination over the visibility surface, leading to an unsightly and degraded visual impression due to dark areas created by optically neutral junction elements between parabolic reflectors.
Innovation Solution
A lighting and signaling device with a reflector having a variable curvature profile, a white reflecting surface, and a convex screen with sandblasted or opaline patterns to ensure homogeneous illumination and aesthetic appeal, utilizing LEDs supported by a printed circuit board extending along the reflector's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If parabolic reflectors are used to generate light beams, then light intensity is improved, but uniformity of illumination deteriorates due to dark areas created by junction elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optically neutral junction elements that create dark areas between parabolic reflectors. By extracting these problematic junction elements, the solution eliminates the source of non-uniform illumination while preserving the light-generating capability of the reflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reflector surfaces into a continuous structure without distinct junction elements. This integration eliminates the boundaries that create dark areas, resulting in uniform illumination across the entire visibility surface while maintaining the parabolic shape for light intensity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple parabolic reflectors are arranged adjacent to each other, then light coverage area is improved, but visual appearance deteriorates due to visible junction elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflector units into a continuous integrated structure. This merging eliminates the visible junction elements between reflectors, creating a seamless appearance while maintaining the extended light coverage area through the continuous reflector surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous reflector structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides light reflection across the entire area, eliminates visual discontinuities, and maintains the parabolic geometry for optimal light distribution. This multi-functional design resolves both coverage and appearance requirements.
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 provides uniform and aesthetically pleasing illumination, minimizing light loss and enhancing the visual signature of the vehicle by ensuring all light rays are effectively distributed across the screen, eliminating dark areas and promoting a homogeneous lighting effect.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector, arranged so as to send light rays which emanate from a light source
Implementation Method 2
capable of diffusing the light received over the entire surface of the screen
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting and/or signalling device (20) comprising a plurality of adjacent light sources (39) capable of emitting light beams (10), a reflector (50) arranged facing the plurality of light sources (39) and capable of reflecting the light beams emitted by the plurality of light sources (39) and a screen (60) capable of receiving and diffusing the light beams (10) reflected by the reflector (50), characterised in that said reflector (50) is shaped so as to have a single concave reflecting surface (51), extending facing the plurality of light sources (39) and in which the dimensions (L, t, H and R) are suitable for illuminating at least one predefined pattern (61 or 62) on the screen (60), the reflective surface (51) of the reflector (50) including a curve with variable radius (R) following a parabolic profile, and the reflector being provided in the form of a sheet obtained by profiling a plastic material; the reflective surface (51) being a layer of light-reflecting material added to the concave portion of the reflector (50) or coloured in the mass.