Variable-Focus Lens Lighting for Flexible Cabin Light Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle interior lighting systems require multiple lighting modules to be installed in specific positions, increasing costs and occupying valuable space on the roof, as they emit light in fixed directions.
Innovation Solution
A variable-focus lighting system utilizing a single light source and a deformable lens, driven by a controller to adjust the light's position and type of emission based on command signals, allowing light to be directed to various positions within the interior space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting modules are installed to emit light to various interior positions, then light coverage is improved, but installation space and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single lighting module performs multiple functions by using a deformable lens that can change its focal length and light emission pattern. The lens is actuated by a driver to adjust its shape, enabling one lighting module to replace multiple fixed lighting modules and provide versatile light coverage to various interior positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is designed to be deformable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its shape and focal length in response to control signals. This dynamic capability enables the lighting module to adapt its light emission pattern and reach different interior positions without requiring multiple separate modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting modules are installed to emit light to various interior positions, then light coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single lighting module with a deformable lens that can perform the functions of multiple fixed lighting modules, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced. The deformable lens mechanism allows one module to replace several modules, thereby lowering material costs, assembly costs, and maintenance costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable lens is used to direct light to various positions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is constructed using flexible materials that can be deformed by the driver actuator. This flexible membrane structure allows for shape changes without requiring complex mechanical assemblies, motors, or multiple moving parts, thereby maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving versatile light emission control.
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 reduces the need for multiple lighting modules, decreases installation space on the roof, and lowers manufacturing costs while enabling flexible and efficient lighting distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a variable-focus lens on which light from the light source is incident and which is configured to have a deformable shape such that a position and a type in which light is emitted are changed depending on a type of deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A variable-focus lighting device and a variable-focus lighting system have one light source and are used to adjust the position and focus of light that is emitted, among various positions in an interior space. An installation space on an interior roof is reduced and manufacturing costs are reduced.