Vehicle Light Optical Element with Lateral End Lugs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light modules in motor vehicles suffer from reduced optical efficiency due to opaque areas formed by attaching the optical element to the support and/or protective cover, which also increase the module's dimensions and detract from the visual effect of an elongate lens.

Innovation Solution

The optical element is attached laterally at its transverse ends with attachment lugs that extend perpendicularly, allowing the transparent optical surface to be positioned without interference with light rays, and is made as a one-piece unit with the attachment means, ensuring maximum active optical area and minimizing opaque areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical element is attached to the support and/or protective cover on its longer sides, then the position of the optical element is fixed and the focal point coincidence is ensured, but the active optical area is reduced and the overall dimensions are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal point coincidenceVSAvoidactive optical area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the attachment location from the longer sides (transverse dimension) to the shorter sides (longitudinal dimension) of the optical element. This dimensional shift allows the attachment means to be positioned at the ends of the optical element along its length, rather than along its width, thereby preserving the active optical area on the longer sides while still achieving secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the optical element is attached to the support and/or protective cover on its longer sides, then the position is fixed, but the overall dimensions of the light module are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition fixationVSAvoidoverall dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By relocating the attachment means to the shorter sides of the optical element, the patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension for attachment rather than the transverse dimension. This allows the light module to maintain a more compact width while achieving secure positioning, effectively reducing the overall dimension in the transverse direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If attachment means are placed on the longer sides of the optical element, then the optical element is secured, but opaque areas are formed that reduce optical efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidoptical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the attachment means from the longer sides to the shorter sides of the optical element. This dimensional repositioning ensures that the attachment structures are situated at the ends of the optical element along its length, away from the primary light transmission path through the longer sides, thereby minimizing the formation of opaque areas and preserving optical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies attachment means only at specific localized regions (the shorter sides/ends) of the optical element rather than along the entire perimeter. This localized attachment approach ensures secure fixation while leaving the larger active optical surfaces on the longer sides free from obstruction, maintaining high optical efficiency.

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

This configuration maximizes the optically active area to 90-98% of the transparent optical surface, maintaining optical efficiency while reducing overall dimensions and enhancing the visual effect of the light module.

Implementation Method 1

rays emitted from which pass through a transparent optical surface of the optical element and emerge in the form of a light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a reflector, comprising a reflective surface of revolution with an elliptical profile... The light rays are reflected in a convergent manner toward a second focal point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12422121B2Optical element and light module of a motor vehicle equipped with such an optical element

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to an optical element of a vehicle light module, the light module including at least one light source, the rays emitted from which pass through a transparent optical surface of the optical element and emerge in the form of a light beam, the transparent optical surface extending mainly along a transverse axis between a first transverse end and a second transverse end, with the optical element including at least one means for attachment to the light module at each of the transverse ends of the transparent optical surface.