Vehicle Lamp Optical Assembly with a Uniform Diffuser Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lamp assemblies often reveal internal features when not illuminated, leading to undesirable contrast and visibility of internal components.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly comprising a translucent lens with low transmissivity and a diffuser film that diffuses light, obscuring internal features until illumination, with a uniform gap between the lens and diffuser to maintain consistent light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the translucent lens has high transmissivity to allow viewing of internal features, then visibility of internal components is improved, but undesirable contrast and visibility of internal components when not illuminated worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a diffuser film that changes its optical properties based on illumination state. When illuminated, the diffuser becomes transparent allowing viewing of internal features. When not illuminated, it maintains a translucent state that obscures internal components and reduces contrast. This dynamic optical property change resolves the contradiction between visibility and contrast reduction.
2Illumination intensity
If the diffuser is placed close to the translucent lens to maximize light diffusion, then light diffusion effectiveness is improved, but uniformity of light emission and obscuration of internal configuration worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gap between the diffuser film and the translucent lens as an intermediary space. This gap serves as a buffer zone that allows light to diffuse uniformly before reaching the lens, preventing direct contact that would cause non-uniform emission. The gap maintains consistent light distribution while preserving the obscuration effect on internal configuration.
3Reliability
If the diffuser is welded directly to the light output end of the input optic for secure mounting, then mounting reliability is improved, but uniform gap maintenance and obscuration of internal features worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting structure by providing a peripheral attachment structure that is separate from the main diffuser body. This peripheral structure is welded to the input optic, securing the diffuser in place while leaving the central region free to maintain a uniform gap with the lens. This segmentation allows reliable mounting without compromising the uniform gap necessary for obscuration.
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
Hides internal components until activation, reducing contrast and enhancing uniformity of light emission, while maintaining effective visibility of the lamp's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source, wherein the diffuser comprises a diffuser film
Implementation Method 2
a translucent lens with low transmissivity
Implementation Method 3
an input optic configured to direct light emitted by a light source of the vehicle lamp assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to an optical assembly (1) for a vehicle lamp assembly (3). The optical assembly (1) includes a translucent lens (11); and an input optic (13) configured to direct light emitted by a light source (9-n) of the vehicle lamp assembly (3). The input optic (13) has a light input end (15) configured to receive light from the light source (9-n); and a light output end (17) disposed proximal to the translucent lens (11) and configured to output light received at the light input end (15). A diffuser (21) is disposed between the light output end (17) of the input optic (13) and the translucent lens (11). The diffuser (21) is configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source (9-n). The present invention also relates to a vehicle lamp assembly (3); and a vehicle (5).