Vehicle Lamp Microlens Array with Low-Index Refraction for Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microlens arrays in vehicle lamps suffer from low light utilization efficiency due to light shielding, and they do not effectively diffuse light over a wide range, leading to glare issues.
Innovation Solution
A microlens array design with a low refractive index portion between incidence-side and emission-side lens portions, featuring a specific surface configuration and alignment, reduces glare while enhancing light diffusion and utilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light shielding plate is used to form a low beam light distribution pattern, then the cutoff line is formed, but the light utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the light shielding plate from the optical system, replacing it with a microlens array that directly forms the cutoff line through optical refraction rather than physical blocking, thereby eliminating light waste while maintaining the required illumination pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters by using microlens array geometry and refractive index variations to control light distribution, replacing the binary blockage approach of light shielding plates with continuous optical parameter control to achieve both cutoff line formation and high light utilization
2Illumination intensity
If light is condensed effectively to project a light distribution pattern, then the light distribution is controlled, but the light diffusion range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the optical system into multiple microlenses arranged in an array, where each microlens processes a portion of the light beam independently, allowing simultaneous control of light condensation for pattern formation and diffusion for wide area coverage through the collective action of segmented optical elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the optical control into multiple spatial dimensions by arranging microlenses in a two-dimensional array with specific pitch relationships, enabling light to be controlled in one dimension while diffusing in another, thus achieving both pattern projection and wide diffusion range
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 new microlens array design increases light utilization efficiency and reduces glare by effectively diffusing light over a wider area, forming a desired light distribution pattern.
Implementation Method 1
a low refractive index portion is provided between an incident surface of an incidence-side lens portion and an emission surface of an emission-side lens portion, a refractive index of the low refractive index portion is lower than refractive indexes of other portions
Data Source
AI summary
A microlens array includes a plurality of optical systems. Each of the optical systems includes a pair of an incidence-side lens portion and an emission-side lens portion, respectively. A low refractive index portion is provided between an incident surface of the incidence-side lens portion and an emission surface of the emission-side lens portion. A refractive index of the low refractive index portion is lower than refractive indexes of other portions. The low refractive index portion comprises a first surface extending through a focus of the emission surface and a second surface extending from the first surface toward the incident surface. A cut line forming portion is formed by a boundary portion between the first surface and the second surface. The incident surface is provided at a position that does not overlap the second surface in a front view of the incidence-side lens portion.