Motor Vehicle Lens Microstructure Depth Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle lighting devices with main and dipped beam functions suffer from a clear demarcation between the two beams, which can disturb the driver's vision due to a distinct cut-off line, leading to discomfort during the main beam function.
Innovation Solution
A lens with microstructures on its surface, specifically designed with varying depths and arrangements in different diffusion zones to diffuse light and blur the cut-off line, reducing the light gradient and minimizing visual disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lens with uniform microstructure depth is used to diffuse light, then light diffusion is achieved, but a clear cut-off line remains visible causing driver discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different microstructure depths in different zones of the lens. The first zone (center zone) has microstructures with depth h1, while the second zone (peripheral zone) has microstructures with depth h2, where h2 > h1. This localized variation in microstructure depth allows different regions of the lens to perform different functions: the center zone maintains beam definition while the peripheral zone enhances light diffusion to blur the cut-off line, thereby reducing driver visual discomfort without sacrificing manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lens into distinct functional zones with different microstructure characteristics. The lens is divided into a first zone extending along the vertical median plane and second zones located on either side of the median plane. Each zone has uniformly distributed microstructures but with different depths, creating segmented light diffusion patterns that collectively eliminate the harsh cut-off line while maintaining overall beam structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If microstructure depth is increased to enhance light diffusion, then cut-off line blurring improves, but light gradient control becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different microstructure depths to different spatial zones. The first zone (central region) uses shallower microstructures (depth h1) to maintain precise light gradient control and beam definition. The second zones (peripheral regions) use deeper microstructures (depth h2) to enhance light diffusion and blur the cut-off line. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both cut-off line blurring and light gradient control in their respective zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth as an additional dimensional variable in the microstructure design. By varying the depth dimension of microstructures across different zones (h1 in first zone, h2 in second zones), the patent creates a three-dimensional microstructure architecture that enables multi-functional light manipulation: shallow depths for precision gradient control and deep depths for enhanced diffusion, thereby resolving the contradiction between cut-off line blurring and gradient control
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 lens effectively reduces the visual discomfort caused by the cut-off line during the main beam function by diffusing light and minimizing the light gradient, providing a smoother transition between the illuminated and dark zones.
Implementation Method 1
the front face having a first diffusion zone Z1 having microstructures 20 adapted to diffuse the light emitted by the light source
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
Lens for a motor vehicle lighting device, the lens comprising a rear face intended to be oriented towards a light source of the lighting device, and a convex front face (18) intended to be oriented towards a roadway to be illuminated, the lens (10) having a vertical median plane (P) intended to be substantially orthogonal to the roadway, the front face having a first diffusion zone (Z1) having microstructures (20) adapted to diffuse the light emitted by the light source, the first diffusion zone (Z1) extending along the median plane (P), the front face further comprising at least two second diffusion zones (Z21, Z22) each having microstructures (20) adapted to diffuse the light emitted by the light source, the two second diffusion zones being located on either side of the vertical median plane, the microstructures of the second diffusion zones (Z21,Z22) exhibiting a depth strictly greater than the depth of the microstructures (20) of the first diffusion zone (Z1).