Motor Vehicle Light Module with Segmented Light Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light modules for motor vehicles can only produce three basic light effects: emission from the first source, emission from the second source, or a mixture of both, limiting the variety of light effects that can be achieved.
Innovation Solution
A light module with a control device that partially covers the second exit zone, using confinement means such as cavities or reflective inserts to control the propagation of light from the second source while allowing light from the first source to propagate freely, enabling new light effects by varying the emission patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light modules use adjacent or coincident first and second exit zones, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but only three basic light effects can be obtained (first source emission, second source emission, or mixture of both)
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first exit zone for first source light, a second exit zone for second source light, and a third exit zone that receives only first source light. This segmentation allows independent control of light emission from different zones, enabling four distinct light effects instead of the conventional three, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light guide are assigned different optical properties and functions. The first exit zone allows first source light transmission, the second exit zone is configured for second source light with confinement means to limit its propagation, and the third exit zone is specifically designed to receive only first source light. This local differentiation enables versatile light effects without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If confinement means are added to control light propagation from the second source, then new light effects can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The confinement means are extracted as separate, discrete components (such as reflective elements or absorptive materials) that can be independently positioned within the light guide. This allows the confinement function to be added without redesigning the entire light guide structure, facilitating easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving precise control over second source light propagation to create new light effects.
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 new light effects by limiting light emission to specific zones, allowing for a mixture of light sources to be emitted from a single part of the output zone, or emitting light from only one source through a designated zone, enhancing the visual effects for motor vehicle lighting and signaling.
Implementation Method 1
the containment means comprise at least one cavity formed in the guide and arranged so as to totally reflect the light issuing from the second source and propagating until it reaches the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the containment means comprise at least one opaque or reflective insert, included in the guide, and capable of absorbing and/or totally reflecting the light coming from the second source
Implementation Method 3
the containment means comprise at least one opaque or reflective insert, included in the guide, and capable of absorbing and/or totally reflecting the light coming from the second source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention concerns the field of light modules for lighting and/or signalling for motor vehicles and, more particularly, such a light module (1) comprising two light sources (11, 12) and a light guide (10) in which there is arranged a device (13) for controlling the propagation of light in the guide, in order to obtain original light effects at the outlet of the light guide.