Vehicle Lamp Light Guide Steps for Clear Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lamps lack designability due to unclear outer edges of light-emitting regions, and there is a need to improve the efficiency and appearance of light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lamp design featuring a transparent optical element with a first light guide and a second light guide, where the second light guide has a rear surface with steps to reflect light forward, increasing light use efficiency and creating clear boundary portions by guiding light along the outer periphery, and a second light guide between the light sources to direct light to the first light guide, enhancing design aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional lamp structure with outer lens and inner lens is used, then the lamp can transmit light, but the outer edges of light-emitting regions are not clear and designability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple functional regions: a transparent member for light transmission and light guides along the outer periphery for boundary definition. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function independently, creating clear outer edges while maintaining design flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical element are given different optical properties: the central transparent member transmits light diffusely while the peripheral light guides channel light along specific paths to define boundaries. This local differentiation of optical characteristics creates clear visual separation between light-emitting regions
2Loss of energy
If light sources are disposed in the lamp chamber, then light can be emitted, but light leaking rearward reduces light use efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful rearward-leaking light into a beneficial element by using reflective steps on the rear surface of the light guides. These steps reflect the leaked light forward into the light transmission path, transforming energy loss into useful light output and improving overall light use efficiency
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 enhances light use efficiency and designability by clearly defining the boundaries of light-emitting regions, improving the appearance and functionality of the vehicle lamp.
Implementation Method 1
a rear surface having a plurality of steps (17), wherein the steps are configured to reflect the second light in the front direction
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes: a first light source (8) configured to emit first light in a front direction of the vehicle lamp; a second light source (9) configured to emit second light; and an optical element (10) disposed in front of the first and second light sources. The optical element includes: a transparent member (6) that transmits the first light in the front direction so as to form a first light distribution pattern of the first light; and a first light guide (7) that guides the second light in the front direction so as to form a second light distribution patten of the second light. The first light guide includes: an end surface (15) which the second light enters; a rear surface having a plurality of steps (17), wherein the steps are configured to reflect the second light in the front direction; and a front surface (16) opposite to the rear surface, wherein the second light reflected by the steps is outputted from the front surface. The first light guide is provided along an outer periphery of the transparent member.