Vehicle Light Single Source Lateral Longitudinal Beam Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle light designs require multiple components and separate light sources to achieve both longitudinal and lateral sidelight functions, leading to increased manufacturing and assembly costs, as well as higher energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle light design that utilizes a single light source and light guide to produce both transversal and longitudinal beams, with optimized light deviation and extraction elements to minimize components and enhance energy efficiency, allowing the same light source to fulfill both sidelight functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate light sources are used for longitudinal and lateral sidelights, then the luminous beam requirements are met, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminous beam complianceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the longitudinal and lateral sidelight functions into a single integrated light source assembly. The reflector body and lenticular body work together with one light source to produce both beam types, eliminating the need for separate light sources and reducing component count while maintaining compliance with luminous beam requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single light source is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - generating both longitudinal and lateral sidelight beams. The optical system (reflector + lenticular body) is configured to direct light in multiple directions to satisfy different sidelight requirements from one light source

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple light sources are used, then the sidelight functions are achieved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesidelight function fulfillmentVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the longitudinal and lateral sidelight generation into a single light source system, the patent reduces total energy consumption. One light source replaces what would traditionally require two separate light sources, directly lowering the energy required while still fulfilling both sidelight functions through optimized optical design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate light sources are used for longitudinal and lateral sidelights, then the beam geometry requirements are met, but the assembly cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam geometry complianceVSAvoidassembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the assembly requirements by designing an integrated optical system where one light source, one reflector body, and one lenticular body work together. This single assembly unit reduces the number of parts to be sourced, managed, and assembled, directly lowering assembly costs while maintaining precise beam geometry control through the coordinated optical elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design simplifies construction, reduces production and assembly costs, and optimizes energy consumption by using a single light source to generate both sidelight beams, achieving higher energy efficiency and precise control over beam geometry.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide (40) extends from a lateral end (52) to a longitudinal end (56) so as to transmit the light between said ends (52, 56), wherein at the lateral end (52) the light guide (40) emits a transversal beam of light, directed in a transversal direction Y-Y, that is perpendicular to a longitudinal or advancement direction X-X

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission and deviation: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a lenticular body (12) made from at least partially transparent, or semi-transparent or translucid material, and may also comprise an opaque portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission and shaping: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP2607777B1Vehicle light
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 MARELLI AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING ITAL SPA
  • EP2607777B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2607777B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2607777B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle light (4) comprising a container body (8) and a lenticular body (12), hosting at least one light source (20), a light guide (40) having a light guide body (44) to propagate the beam of light of the light source (20). The light guide body (44) extends from a lateral end (52) to a longitudinal end (56); at the lateral end (52) the light guide (40) emits a transversal beam of light, directed in a transversal direction (Y-Y) and at the longitudinal end (56) the light guide (40) emits a longitudinal beam of light, according to a direction of advancement (X-X). The light source (20) is situated near said lateral end (52). At said lateral and longitudinal ends (52, 56) the light guide (40) comprises first and second light deviation/extraction elements (60) which extract the light from the light guide (40) in a respectively substantially transversal (Y-Y) and longitudinal direction (X-X).