Vehicle Light Fiber-Optic Guide Homogeneous Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle light technologies, particularly taillights, face challenges in achieving a homogeneous appearance while meeting design and light distribution requirements, with prior methods either having visible prism structures or requiring large installation spaces due to complex reflectors and light sources.
Innovation Solution
The integration of expanding and deflecting devices within fiber-optic light guides to increase the aperture angle and direct light, ensuring efficient light distribution and a homogeneous appearance by utilizing separate deflectors behind the light guide to manage light orientation and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If prism elements are used on the reflective surface to create a radiation pattern, then light distribution is improved, but the prism structure becomes visible through the clear cover creating an inhomogeneous visual impression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light distribution function from the visible prism structure by using invisible optical elements within the fiber-optic light guide. The deflecting means are positioned and designed to be optically inactive when viewed from the front, separating the radiation pattern creation from visible surface features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system within the fiber-optic light guide that mediates between the light source and the external environment. This internal optical arrangement redistributes light without requiring visible external structures, using the fiber-optic medium as an intermediary to achieve both uniform appearance and controlled light distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If transmitted light technology with complex reflectors and light bulbs is used, then defined light distribution is achieved, but installation space increases making it unsuitable for flat tailgates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the optical system within the fiber-optic light guide structure itself, nesting the light distribution functionality inside the existing compact form factor. The deflecting means are integrated into the fiber-optic light guide, eliminating the need for separate external reflectors and light sources that would increase installation volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface-level optical system (external reflectors and lenses) to a three-dimensional volumetric system within the fiber-optic light guide. By utilizing the internal volume of the fiber-optic structure, the patent achieves light distribution without increasing the external footprint or installation depth.
3Volume of stationary object
If fiber-optic light guides with transparent light exit surfaces are used, then installation depth is reduced, but the light guide appears two-dimensional in both off-state and on-state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local optical modifications at specific positions within the fiber-optic light guide to create the illusion of depth. The deflecting means are positioned at particular locations and angles to manipulate light paths in a way that creates perceived three-dimensionality in specific regions, while maintaining the overall compact structure.
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 approach results in a vehicle light that efficiently meets statutory light distribution requirements while maintaining a homogeneous appearance, both on and off, by diffusely illuminating and providing a three-dimensional effect without increasing installation depth.
Implementation Method 1
rod-shaped fiber-optic light guides, such as those described in DE 100 29 542 A1 by way of example, in which the required light is coupled into the ends of the fiber-optic light guide preferably by way of LEDs (light-emitting diodes)
Implementation Method 2
Means are provided for expanding the aperture angle of an incident light beam, and for deflecting incident light
Implementation Method 3
for deflecting incident light, which means are disposed behind a rear side of the fiber-optic light guide
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle light is provided having a light source, a fiber-optic light guide into which light of the light source is coupled on a coupling surface, an expander for expanding the aperture angle of an incident light beam, and deflectors, which are intended for deflecting incident light, disposed behind a rear side of the fiber-optic light guide.