Vehicle Ambient Light Sensor Reflector Optical Path Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light detecting devices for vehicles face challenges in maintaining detection accuracy due to light interference from lenses, particularly when multiple lenses are used, which can complicate assembly and increase casing size, and limit the viewing angle of the light sensor.
Innovation Solution
A light detecting device comprising a case, a reflector, and a light receiving element, where the reflector is positioned to reflect outside light from a predetermined area to the light receiving element, which is placed further from the windshield than the entrance hole, allowing for improved detection accuracy without increasing the casing size and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the lens is made larger to enlarge the viewing angle of the light sensor, then the viewing angle is improved, but the size of the casing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical path from a direct linear path to a reflected path using a reflector. This dimensional change in light trajectory allows the light receiving element to receive light from a wider area without requiring a larger lens or casing, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth) to expand the viewing angle while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element that redirects light from the entrance hole to the light receiving element. This mediator enables the system to achieve a larger effective viewing angle by capturing light from oblique angles and redirecting it to the sensor, without requiring the lens itself to be larger.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are arranged in the casing, then the light sensor can detect light from predetermined areas, but the assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lens from the system entirely, replacing it with a reflector structure. This eliminates the complexity of assembling and aligning multiple lenses while achieving the same functional goal of detecting light from predetermined areas through the reflected optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector serves multiple functions: it defines the viewing angle, directs light to the sensor, and determines the detection area coverage. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized lenses, simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are arranged in the casing, then the light sensor can detect light from predetermined areas, but the casing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension by positioning the light receiving element at a distance from the windshield greater than the distance from the windshield to the entrance hole. This spatial arrangement, combined with the reflector, allows light from predetermined areas to reach the sensor without requiring lateral expansion of the casing.
4Volume of stationary object
If the light sensor is positioned close to the windshield, then the device size is reduced, but light detection accuracy decreases due to interference from other light paths
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector acts as an intermediary that creates a controlled optical path between the entrance hole and the light receiving element. This mediator ensures that only light reflected from the predetermined area reaches the sensor, blocking interference from other light paths while maintaining a compact device configuration.
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 enhances light detection accuracy while maintaining a compact device size, reducing production costs, and minimizing interference with rain sensors, thereby improving the overall performance of the light detecting system.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector reflects a predetermined light of the outside light
Implementation Method 2
the light receiving element... receives the reflected predetermined light
Data Source
AI summary
A light detecting device includes a case, a reflector, and a light receiving element. The case is fixed to a windshield, and outside light passes through the windshield and an entrance hole defined in the case. A predetermined light travels from a predetermined area, and the reflector reflects the predetermined light of the outside light. The light receiving element is disposed in the case to have a distance from the windshield, and the distance is larger than a distance between the windshield and the entrance hole. The light receiving element receives the reflected predetermined light.