Motor Vehicle Illumination Device with Integral Opaque Separators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle illumination devices are limited in their ability to implement multiple light functions in a compact and cost-effective manner, while also providing reliable optical separation of light beams for various signaling requirements.
Innovation Solution
The illumination device features at least two transparent elements and one opaque element, optically separated transversely to the light main emission direction, which are integrally connected to enable multiple light functions, including taillights, brake lights, and indicator lights, with a compact construction achieved through a multicomponent injection-molding method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate illumination devices are used to implement different light functions, then each light function can be reliably implemented, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transparent elements (first transparent element for taillight, second transparent element for brake light, third transparent element for indicator light) into a single integrated illumination device. These elements are optically separated by opaque elements but physically integrated through integral connection, allowing multiple light functions to be implemented in one compact structure rather than using separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple transparent elements that are optically separated by opaque elements. Each transparent element can independently fulfill a specific light function (taillight, brake light, indicator light), while the overall structure remains integrated. This segmentation allows functional independence while maintaining structural compactness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate illumination devices are used to implement different light functions, then each light function can be reliably implemented, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple illumination functions into a single integrated device structure. The first, second, and third transparent elements are all connected within one illumination device housing, sharing common mounting space and structural support, thereby reducing the total space occupation compared to using separate devices for each light function.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent elements are arranged and connected in a nested or compact configuration within the illumination device. The opaque elements for optical separation are integrally connected between the transparent elements, creating a compact nested structure that minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining all required light functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If transparent elements are used without integral connection, then manufacturing is simpler, but the structural reliability and compactness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The opaque elements are integrally connected to the transparent elements, creating a unified structure where multiple components become one piece. This integral connection ensures structural reliability and precise alignment while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through processes like co-molding or integrated assembly techniques.
4Reliability
If opaque elements are used for optical separation, then light beam separation is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opaque elements are integrally connected to the transparent elements, merging the optical separation function with the structural framework. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures or additional components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable optical separation between different light beams.
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 solution allows for a compact, reliable, and cost-effective implementation of multiple light functions, ensuring comprehensive visibility and compliance with legal light distribution requirements, while also enabling appealing optical effects through the use of specific materials and surface treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The light of which is conducted through the transparent elements and decoupled therefrom in at least one light main emission direction
Implementation Method 2
The transparent elements are optically separated from one another transversely to the at least one light main emission direction by at least one opaque element
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an illumination device (1) for a motor vehicle having at least one transparent element (10, 20, 30, 40) and at least one light (L) emitting light source (80), the light (L) of which can be conducted through the at least one transparent element (10, 20, 30, 40) and decoupled therefrom at least in a light main emission direction (LH), whereby at least one light function is implementable. The invention proposes that the illumination device (1) has at least two transparent elements (10, 20, 30, 40) which are optically separated from one another transversely to the at least one light main emission direction (LH) by at least one opaque element (50, 501, 502), wherein both the transparent elements (10, 20, 30, 40) and the at least one opaque element (50, 501, 502) are integrally connected to one another. In this manner, the illumination device can be produced compactly, wherein a good functional separation of multiple light functions is possible.