Motor Vehicle Lighting Device with Light Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle lighting devices face challenges in providing dynamic light functions like swirling turn signals and daytime running lights within limited installation space while ensuring precise directional light transmission and aesthetic homogeneity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a light conductor and separate light sources, where light is coupled into one end face and vertically into the conductor via optical coupling elements, allowing independent actuation to create a swirling effect and targeted illumination, combining into a compact unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single light conductor is used for both daytime running lights and turn signals, then installation space is reduced, but it becomes difficult to provide both precise directional transmission and homogeneous omnidirectional emission
Solution Approach 1:
The light conductor is divided into multiple independent light guiding elements, each capable of receiving light from specific light sources and directing it to different emission surfaces. This segmentation allows different portions of the light conductor to serve different functions (daytime running lights vs. turn signals) while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light conductor are designed with different optical properties and emission characteristics. Some regions are optimized for directional transmission to fulfill statutory requirements, while other regions provide homogeneous omnidirectional emission for aesthetic purposes. This local differentiation enables multiple light functions within a single compact unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are arranged to provide both directional and omnidirectional emission, then light function requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light conductor system is designed as a multi-functional component that can simultaneously support different light sources (e.g., LED modules, laser sources) and provide multiple light functions (daytime running lights, turn signals, position lights). The same light conductor structure guides light from different sources to fulfill various regulatory and aesthetic requirements, reducing the need for separate lighting assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The light conductor acts as an intermediary between the light sources and the external environment. It receives light from various light sources positioned within the headlight assembly and transforms it into the required emission patterns (directional or omnidirectional) at its emission surfaces. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by decoupling the light sources from the complex optical requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple light sources are integrated into a compact unit, then installation space is saved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device employs a nested structure where light sources, light conductors, and heat dissipation elements are arranged in concentric or layered configurations. This nesting allows efficient use of space while providing thermal pathways from the light sources through the light conductor structure to external heat sinks or cooling elements, managing heat in the compact geometry.
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
The solution enables a compact, aesthetically pleasing, and functionally effective lighting system that meets statutory requirements for both turn signals and daytime running lights by providing homogeneous illumination and precise directional light emission.
Implementation Method 1
a light conductor (12), which extends along a longitudinal extension direction (14) and has two end faces (16, 18), at least one first light source (20) for coupling light into one of the two end faces (16, 18) of the light conductor (12)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of second light sources (22) for coupling light into the light conductor (12) vertically with respect to the longitudinal extension direction (14) of the light conductor (12)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (10) according to the invention for a motor vehicle external light having a light conductor (12), which extends along a longitudinal extension direction (14) and has two end faces (16, 18), at least one first light source (20) for coupling light into one of the two end faces (16, 18) of the light conductor (12), a plurality of second light sources (22) for coupling light into the light conductor (12) vertically with respect to the longitudinal extension direction (14) of the light conductor (12), and a control unit for separate actuation of the at least one first light source (20) and of the plurality of second light sources (22).