Vehicle Lighting Fixture Lens Segmentation for Light Distribution Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle lighting fixtures find it difficult to efficiently control or design light distribution patterns due to the limitations of a single lens forming both transversely elongated light distribution and hot zones.

Innovation Solution

The use of three distinct lens portions within a lighting fixture for a vehicle, where the first lens forms a light focusing pattern, the second lens forms a first scattering pattern, and the third lens forms a second scattering pattern, allowing for more precise control and design of light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single lens is used to form both transversely elongated light distribution and hot zone, then the structure is simple, but light distribution control efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens structureVSAvoidlight distribution control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into three distinct lens portions (first, second, and third lens portions), each responsible for forming different light distribution patterns. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each portion's optical function, enabling efficient control of light distribution while maintaining a relatively integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a single lens is used to form both transversely elongated light distribution and hot zone, then the manufacturing process is simple, but light distribution design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens manufacturingVSAvoidlight distribution design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lens into three portions with different optical functions, the design can be optimized independently for each function (transversely elongated light distribution, hot zone formation, and additional light control). This allows greater design flexibility while still enabling manufacturing as an integrated lens through conventional molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each lens portion is designed with specific local optical properties tailored to its function. The first lens portion forms transversely elongated light distribution, the second forms hot zone, and the third provides additional light control. This local quality differentiation enables versatile light distribution design while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If three lens portions are used to form different light distribution patterns, then light distribution control efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution control efficiencyVSAvoidlens structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is segmented into three functional portions that can be integrated into a single lens component. This segmentation provides the light distribution control efficiency of multiple components while maintaining the structural simplicity of a single integrated lens, avoiding the need for separate mounting and alignment of multiple discrete lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration enables efficient control and design of light distribution, enhancing illumination patterns that improve visibility and safety, such as illuminating a range of 2-10 degrees downside and 25-60 degrees to the right, and 2-15 degrees downside and 25-100 degrees to the right, while preventing stray light and ensuring effective illumination during vehicle turns.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens portion (31) to form a light focusing pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

a second lens portion (32) to form a first scattering pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

a third lens portion (33) to form a second scattering pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2910848B1Lighting fixture for vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 ICHIKOH IND LTD
  • EP2910848B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2910848B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2910848B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] It is difficult to efficiently control and design light distribution in the conventional lighting fixture for a vehicle. [Solution] The present invention is provided with a semiconductor-type light source (2) and a lens (3). The lens (3) is configured from a first lens part (31), a second lens part (32), and a third lens part (33). A light-collecting pattern (SP) is formed in the first lens part (31). A first diffusing pattern (DWP) is formed in the second lens part (32). A second diffusing pattern (UWP) is formed in the third lens part (33). As a result, light distribution can be efficiently controlled and designed in the present invention.