Vehicle Lamp Fitting Layout for Compact Projection Optics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamp units are not adequately downsized, necessitating a need for a more compact configuration.

Innovation Solution

A lamp unit design featuring a light emission unit with its center above the projection lens optical axis, a condenser lens with a unique arrangement of lens portions, and a light blocking member with upward-extending slits, combined with a projection lens to form efficient irradiation patterns while minimizing vertical space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional lamp unit configuration is used, then adequate light projection is achieved, but the overall size cannot be downsized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelamp unit sizeVSAvoidlight projection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the light emission unit so its center is above the projection lens optical axis, and arranges the slit to extend upward from the optical axis. This vertical dimension reconfiguration allows compact horizontal spacing while maintaining adequate light path length for quality projection, effectively downsizing the lamp unit without sacrificing performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric arrangement where the light emission unit center is positioned above the projection lens optical axis, and the slit extends upward rather than symmetrically. This asymmetric configuration optimizes space utilization and enables downsizing while preserving light projection quality through carefully designed optical paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Length of stationary object

If light emission unit center is positioned above projection lens optical axis, then vertical space is minimized, but optical alignment becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical space occupationVSAvoidoptical alignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the light emission unit center above the projection lens optical axis and configuring the slit to extend upward. This localized asymmetric arrangement optimizes vertical space utilization in the critical optical path region while the overall structure remains manageable, reducing vertical footprint without excessive complexity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design allows for a downsized lamp unit and vehicle lamp by efficiently utilizing space and projecting clear, high-intensity irradiation patterns without significant aberration, enhancing visibility.

Implementation Method 1

a condenser lens that condenses light emitted from the light emission unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight condensation: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a projection lens that projects the light that has passed through the light blocking member to form an irradiation pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP4692639A1LAMP fitting unit and LAMP fitting for vehicles
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ICHIKOH IND LTD
  • EP4692639A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692639A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4692639A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A lamp unit includes: one light emission unit that emits light; a condenser lens that condenses light emitted from the light emission unit; a light blocking member having a slit through which the light condensed by the condenser lens passes; and a projection lens that projects the light that has passed through the light blocking member to form an irradiation pattern. The light emission unit is arranged such that a center thereof in an up-down direction is above a projection lens optical axis. The slit is arranged to extend upward from the projection lens optical axis.