Vehicle Lighting Diffuser Sleeve Homogenizes LED Light Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting and signaling devices for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving homogeneous light diffusion and reducing 'hot spots' caused by LEDs, while maintaining optical efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device featuring a diffuser sleeve with a white, rough, or grained peripheral wall within a transparent rectilinear diffusion channel, which attenuates the perception of 'hot spots' and minimizes light loss, combined with a light guide and reflection means to ensure uniform illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED light sources are used for vehicle lighting, then energy efficiency and lifespan are improved, but inhomogeneous light diffusion and hot spots occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidlight diffusion uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

A diffuser sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the light guide. This sleeve contains a diffusion channel with a white peripheral wall that scatters and homogenizes the light before it enters the light guide, eliminating hot spots while preserving the energy efficiency of LED sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral wall of the diffusion channel is given a specific white, light-diffusing property that is localized to the region where light scattering is needed. This creates a zone of homogeneous light diffusion without affecting other parts of the system, resolving the contradiction between focused LED output and uniform light distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If diffuser screens or curtains are used to homogenize light, then light diffusion uniformity is improved, but light loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight diffusion uniformityVSAvoidlight loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical diffuser screens or curtains with a diffuser sleeve containing a diffusion channel. This channel uses a white peripheral wall to scatter light through reflection and diffusion, achieving homogeneous light distribution with minimal light absorption or loss, unlike opaque or translucent screen materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If direct LED lighting is used, then optical efficiency is maintained, but blinding effects and inhomogeneous illumination occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoidblinding effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser sleeve acts as a mediator between the direct LED light source and the light guide entrance. It softens and homogenizes the light beam, eliminating blinding effects and inhomogeneities while maintaining high optical efficiency by using reflective white walls rather than absorptive diffusing materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the light beam by introducing a diffusion channel that modifies the angular distribution and spatial profile of the light. This transforms the concentrated, potentially blinding LED output into a homogeneous, diffuse illumination that maintains optical efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively homogenizes light output, reduces the perception of 'hot spots,' and maintains high luminous efficiency, suitable for various vehicle lighting functions like lanterns and taillights.

Implementation Method 1

a diffuser sleeve comprising an opaque body delimiting a transparent rectilinear diffusion channel whose peripheral wall is white and which comprises an input facing the light source and an output facing the proximal end of the light guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and diffusion: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a light guide associated with the first light source formed by an extending shell... between the proximal and distal ends a lateral light emission face and, opposite the lateral emission face, a rear lateral face comprising means for reflection of light towards the lateral emission face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3071449B1Lighting and/or signalling system with light guides for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING REAR LAMPS FRANCE
  • EP3071449B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3071449B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3071449B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention concerns a lighting device for vehicle lights, comprising at least: - a first LED light source (SI) extending along a line and emitting light in a first main emission direction (Δ), - a first light guide (Gl) associated with the first light source (SI) formed by a shell extending in the main emission direction and perpendicular to the light source (SI) along the line formed by the latter and comprising a proximal light-receiving end (5) oriented towards the light source and, opposite the proximal end (5), a distal end (10), and between the proximal and distal ends, a lateral light emitting face (11) and, opposite the lateral emitting face, a rear lateral face (12) comprising means (13) for reflecting light towards the lateral emitting face (H), characterised in that it comprises, between the proximal end of the first light guide and the first light source, a diffusion sleeve (Dl) comprising an opaque body (1) delimiting a transparent rectilinear diffusion channel (2) of which the peripheral wall (6) is white and which comprises an inlet (3) facing the light source and an outlet (4) facing the proximal end (5) of the light guide.