Vehicle LED Lighting Wall Structure for Direct Light Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle lighting devices with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) pose a challenge as they can be directly visible to observers from various angles, particularly from lower positions, leading to discomfort due to bright light exposure, and existing solutions either compromise light distribution or increase complexity by adding additional parts.

Innovation Solution

A mounting structure for vehicle lighting devices that incorporates a cover member with a support assembly featuring a wall positioned forward and proximal to the LED, which limits direct light emission, allowing for a wider range of visual perception prevention while maintaining sufficient light emission and simplicity in design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover member is extended to a lower position to prevent observers from seeing direct light from the light source, then the visual perception prevention range is improved, but the light-emitting area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect light exposure to observersVSAvoidlight-emitting area
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light blocking function into two separate components: the cover member that conceals the light source from frontal views, and the light blocking member that specifically blocks direct light from reaching observers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without compromising the light-emitting area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking member acts as an intermediary element positioned between the light source and the observer. It selectively blocks direct light paths while allowing reflected light to pass through, thereby preventing direct light exposure without reducing the overall light-emitting area of the lighting device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an additional member is attached to the cover member to block direct light, then the visual perception prevention range is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect light exposure to observersVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light blocking function with the existing cover member structure by positioning the light blocking member within the space defined by the base and lens, rather than adding it as a separate external attachment. This integration approach maintains functional effectiveness while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking member is designed to serve multiple purposes: it blocks direct light from reaching observers, maintains the aesthetic appearance by working in conjunction with the cover member, and preserves the light-emitting area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If a clear lens is used to achieve light distribution with a shaped reflector, then the light distribution performance is improved, but the light source becomes easily visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution controlVSAvoidlight source visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light blocking member serves as an intermediary element that selectively interrupts direct light paths from the LED to the observer while allowing the clear lens to maintain its light distribution function. This enables the clear lens to achieve precise light distribution without making the light source easily visible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking member is positioned at specific locations where direct light would reach observers, rather than uniformly obscuring the entire lens area. This localized approach allows the clear lens to maintain its optical quality and light distribution performance in areas where blocking is not required.

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

Effectively prevents direct LED light from being seen over a wide range of angles, ensuring comfort for observers and maintaining desired light distribution and appearance without increasing the number of parts or complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the support assembly includes a wall positioned forwardly of and in proximity to the predetermined position in which the light-emitting diode is disposed, the wall being disposed higher than the light-emitting diode, for limiting light that is emitted directly from the light-emitting diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2682331B1Lighting device for vehicle, and mounting structure for the device
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2682331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2682331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2682331B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lightning device (10) for a vehicle has a base member (82) and a lens (84). A light emitting diode (86) and a reflector (96) are housed in a space (98) formed by the base member (82) and the lens (84). The light emitting diode (86) is disposed at a predetermined position on a support member (88) extending into the space (98). The support member (88) is provided with a wall (112) which is located in front of and near the light emitting diode (86) and which is higher than the light emitting diode (86). In a front view, the wall (112) hides the light emitting diode (86) and blocks light exiting directly from the light emitting diode (86) without propagating through the reflector (96).