Vehicle Light Guide Array With Optical Separation for Sharp Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting devices require significant installation space to generate diverse light graphics with varying brightness and color, and suffer from scattered light or false light interference due to lack of clear channel separation.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device featuring microlight guiding elements with integrated optical separations, where each microlens element is paired with a single light source, allowing for high-resolution, true-color illumination graphics by controlling light sources and preventing light interference between adjacent elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources and light-guiding elements are used to create diverse light graphics with varying brightness and color, then the illumination capability and visual effect are improved, but the installation space required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the illumination system into multiple micro-light guide elements, each assigned to a single light source. This segmentation allows for high-resolution light distribution patterns while maintaining a compact overall structure, as each micro-element can be precisely controlled independently to create complex illumination graphics without requiring large installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional light distribution to three-dimensional spatial control by positioning micro-light guide elements in a structured array with optical separations. This dimensional approach enables diverse light graphics and color patterns within a compact footprint by utilizing vertical and lateral spacing efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If light-guiding elements are positioned close together to reduce installation space, then the compactness is improved, but scattered light and false light interference increase due to lack of clear channel separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidscattered light
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical separations as intermediary structures positioned between adjacent micro-light guide elements. These separations act as mediators that prevent light from one element from entering adjacent elements, thereby eliminating scattered light and false light interference while maintaining compact spacing between elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies optical separations selectively at specific locations between micro-light guide elements where light interference would occur. This localized approach ensures that channel separation is provided exactly where needed to prevent scattered light, while maintaining compact overall dimensions by not adding separations in all possible directions

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

Enables the creation of sharp, true-color illumination graphics with clear channel separation, reducing installation space requirements and eliminating scattered light, suitable for intelligent entry lights or decorative vehicle features.

Implementation Method 1

micro-lens elements enable a true-color and sharp light image or projection graphic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Each light source is assigned a micro-light guide element configured as a micro-lens element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

optical separations between adjacent micro-light guide elements ensures that no stray light component of a light from a first light source assigned to a first micro-light guide element is emitted via an adjacent micro-light guide element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3765782B1Illumination apparatus for vehicles
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP3765782B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3765782B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP3765782B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to an illumination apparatus for vehicles, comprising a plurality of light sources (4, 4', 4'') and a plurality of light-guiding elements (6, 6', 6'') associated with each of the light sources (4, 4', 4''), which light-guiding elements are arranged in the main emission direction (H) upstream of the light sources (4, 4', 4''), the light-guiding elements (6, 6', 6'') being in the form of micro light-guiding elements (6, 6', 6'') and an optical separating means (7, 7') being provided between adjacent micro light-guiding elements (6, 6', 6'') and/or in the main emission direction (H) downstream of the micro light-guiding elements (6, 6', 6'') such that a stray light fraction (16) emitted by a first light source (4') cannot be radiated or emitted by a light-guiding element (6'') associated with a second light source (4'').