Vehicle Illumination Device with Angled Optical Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination apparatuses for vehicles are cumbersome and costly to integrate into external mirrors due to rigid component arrangements, limiting their use in various vehicle areas and preventing the widespread application of custom logos and patterns.
Innovation Solution
A compact illumination device featuring a reflective surface and a mask unit that can project images, symbols, or logos onto a projection surface, with a reflector unit that deflects the optical path, allowing for flexible integration and the use of RGB LEDs for color variation, enabling the creation of complex patterns on vehicle cladding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination apparatus components are combined into one housing with rigid component arrangements, then the device can project images and logos, but it becomes difficult to integrate into vehicle areas with limited space and curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is divided into separate functional components: an illuminant unit, an optical reflection unit with reflective surface, and a mask unit. These segmented components can be independently positioned and oriented to adapt to different installation spaces and surface geometries, resolving the contradiction between integration flexibility and projection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical reflection unit that deflects the optical path at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the projection surface normal. This dimensional change in light path orientation allows the device to be integrated into vehicle areas with limited space and curved surfaces, overcoming the limitation of rigid axial alignment while maintaining effective image projection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom logos and patterns are provided in various vehicle areas, then brand individualization is enhanced, but the cost and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mask unit that can be positioned at different locations and orientations to project the same or different logos and patterns onto various vehicle surfaces. This copying approach allows brand individualization across multiple areas without requiring separate custom manufacturing for each location, significantly reducing cost and effort while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is designed as a universal platform that can project various logos and patterns by repositioning the mask unit. The same basic device structure can be used across different vehicle areas and for different branding purposes, eliminating the need for area-specific custom manufacturing and reducing overall production costs.
3Area of stationary object
If the optical path follows a single axis with components aligned along that axis, then image projection is achieved, but the device occupies excessive space and cannot be integrated into compact vehicle areas
Solution Approach 1:
The optical reflection unit deflects the light path at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the projection surface normal, changing the dimensional orientation of the optical path. This allows the device to fit into compact vehicle areas with limited space while maintaining proper optical alignment through the angled reflection geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical reflection unit acts as an intermediary element between the illuminant and the mask/projection surface. It mediates the optical path by reflecting light at an angled orientation, enabling compact device integration while preserving the necessary optical alignment precision for clear image projection.
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
Enables the simple and cost-effective integration of complex patterns or logos into vehicle cladding components, facilitating their use in any vehicle area, including curved surfaces, and enhancing light effects with adjustable color options.
Implementation Method 1
an optical reflection unit, including at least one reflective surface, where the optical reflection unit is configured to receive the light emitted from the at least one illuminant and project at least one of an image, a symbol, a logo, a pattern, and a legend on a projection surface
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device includes at least one illuminant for emitting light, and an optical reflection unit, including at least one reflective surface, and at least one surface including at least one mask, where the optical reflection unit is configured to receive the light emitted from the at least one illuminant and project at least one of an image, a symbol, a logo, and a legend on a projection surface.