Vehicle Light Assembly with Arcuate Protrusions for Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incandescent light bulbs in vehicle light assemblies create glare when directly observed, and their replacement with LEDs can also produce glare due to their positioning, necessitating a low profile design that minimizes direct observability while maintaining effective illumination.
Innovation Solution
A low profile vehicle light assembly featuring a light curtain with arcuate protrusions that evenly distribute light from LEDs, directing the light source to the protrusions to create a homogenous illumination effect, reducing glare and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are positioned directly in the light assembly to provide illumination, then energy efficiency and longevity are improved, but glare is generated when the light source is directly observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the external environment. The light guide receives light from the LED and redistributes it through its length, preventing direct observation of the LED while maintaining effective illumination. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by allowing the LED to remain positioned for efficient light generation while eliminating the harmful direct glare through optical redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the light distribution from a point-source direct emission to a distributed linear emission along the light guide's length. By extending the light output in the dimensional space along the light guide rather than radiating directly from the LED position, the system eliminates direct glare paths while maintaining overall illumination effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light assembly is designed with a low profile to minimize direct observability of the light source, then glare is reduced, but the complexity of light distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light distribution function by dividing the light guide into multiple sections with different optical characteristics. The light guide includes a first section and a second section with different refractive indices or optical properties, allowing complex light distribution patterns to be achieved through simpler, modular segments rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different sections of the light guide. The first section has different refractive index characteristics than the second section, allowing each segment to perform specific light distribution functions. This local differentiation of optical quality enables complex overall light distribution while keeping individual sections relatively simple.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If incandescent light bulbs are replaced with LEDs, then energy consumption is reduced and lifespan is extended, but direct observation of the light source creates glare
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as an intermediary that decouples the LED position from the light emission position. The LED can be positioned optimally for longevity and efficiency while the light guide distributes the light along its length, preventing direct observation of the LED and eliminating glare. This mediator allows the system to maintain the benefits of LED technology without their direct observation drawbacks.
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 solution provides a compact, glare-reduced illumination system that effectively distributes light across the assembly, enhancing visibility without the undesirable glare associated with direct LED observation, while maintaining energy efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide that includes a first section and a second section, each having a different refractive index
Implementation Method 2
a light curtain that includes a first side that corresponds to a portion of an inner profile of the second lens and a second side, opposite the first side, that includes protrusions evenly spaced along a length of the second side
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile light assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes a first lens having an outer profile that provides a portion of an external profile of the vehicle. The assembly also includes a second lens disposed on a side of the first lens that is opposite the outer profile. The light assembly also includes a light curtain that includes a first side that corresponds to a portion of an inner profile of the second lens and a second side, opposite the first side, that includes protrusions evenly spaced along a length of the second side, the protrusions include a first surface that extends a width of the second side. The assembly also includes at least one light source that is directed toward at least some of the first surfaces of the protrusions.