Vehicle Light Module Double Total Internal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle light modules are unable to achieve a specific light distribution for dipped headlights, particularly in terms of varying illumination intensity along the height of the beam, which is essential for compliance with regulations and optimal visibility.
Innovation Solution
The light module employs a double total internal reflection optical processing using a waveguide with two offset reflection surfaces, allowing for a near-field beam with adjustable luminosity, and additional rows of illumination units to produce complementary beams, such as a dipped beam cut-off and road complement beams, to achieve the desired light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical element with simple reflection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination intensity distribution along the beam height cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple reflection surfaces (first reflecting surface and second reflecting surface) with different orientations. The first reflecting surface receives rays from the light source and reflects them at a first angle, while the second reflecting surface receives the reflected rays and reflects them at a second angle. This segmentation allows independent control of illumination intensity at different heights of the beam, resolving the contradiction by adding functional complexity only where needed for intensity control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical element are designed with different reflective properties. The first reflecting surface is positioned to control illumination at one height range, while the second reflecting surface controls illumination at another height range. This local differentiation of optical properties enables precise control of illumination intensity distribution along the vertical direction of the beam without requiring complete redesign of the entire optical system.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple reflection surfaces are added to control illumination distribution, then the illumination intensity control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reflection surfaces are integrated into a single monolithic optical element rather than using separate components. The first reflecting surface and second reflecting surface are combined in one optical piece, allowing the light beam to undergo multiple reflections within a single component. This merging approach achieves the desired illumination control while minimizing the number of discrete parts, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface, and also functions as the output interface for the light beam. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system, as one element performs what would otherwise require multiple separate optical components, thereby achieving illumination control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 configuration enables a smooth transition between beams, reduces illuminated transition zones, and allows for precise control of illumination intensity, enhancing visibility and compliance with regulatory requirements by producing a near-field beam that decreases illumination close to the vehicle and increases it towards the cut-off zone.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical element of each of the first illumination units is configured to produce: a first total internal reflection of the rays from the first light source so as to form a reflected beam of collimated rays; a second total internal reflection of the collimated rays so as to generate the first unit beam
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a first row of first illumination units configured to produce a first output beam (33), each first illumination unit comprising a first light source (21) and a first optical element (11) configured to produce a first unit beam (31) from light rays from the first light source (21), characterized in that the first optical element (11) of each of the first illumination units is configured to produce: - a first total internal reflection of the rays from the first light source (21) so as to form a reflected beam of collimated rays; - a second total internal reflection of the collimated rays so as to generate the first unit beam (31).