Vehicle Lighting Appliance Light Surface Magnifying Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting appliances fail to meet legal minimum illuminated surface requirements for signal functions like stop and direction indicators while maintaining a pleasing appearance and styling, especially in the United States, where an additional simple shining function surface is not desirable.
Innovation Solution
A light surface magnifying unit comprising a light source and a mask template unit generates an illumination pattern projected onto a screen, which can be reflected or transmitted to create a larger illuminated surface, exceeding the minimum legal requirements without adding unnecessary complexity or components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a flat light guide with line-shaped surfaces is used for the light unit, then the styling requirements are met and the light function is created, but the illuminated surface area is too small to meet legal requirements for signal functions
Solution Approach 1:
A projection screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the light unit and the external environment. The projection screen receives light from the light unit and projects it to create an additional illuminated surface, thereby meeting legal requirements without adding complex optical components or multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional light guide surface to a three-dimensional projection system. By projecting light onto a screen positioned at an angle, the illuminated surface is extended into the third dimension, creating a larger apparent light area while maintaining a compact light unit design.
2Area of stationary object
If the illuminated surface is magnified to meet legal requirements, then the minimum surface size is achieved, but the styling requirements and aesthetic appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The projection screen is designed with specific local properties including a reflective coating and a specific geometric shape (e.g., curved or angled surface). These local qualities enable the screen to project light in a controlled manner that maintains aesthetic appearance while achieving the required illuminated surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection screen utilizes optical properties such as reflective coatings and light scattering characteristics to control the appearance of the projected light. By carefully selecting the optical properties of the screen material, the aesthetic quality of the illuminated surface is maintained while meeting legal area requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If an additional light source or light guide is added to magnify the light band, then the legally required surface size is achieved, but the device complexity and styling requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding another light source or light guide, a projection screen is used as an intermediary to magnify the light from the existing light unit. This approach achieves the required illuminated surface area without increasing the number of optical components, thereby maintaining device simplicity and styling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection screen serves multiple functions: it acts as a light diffuser, a light projector, and an aesthetic element all in one component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components to achieve the required illuminated surface area, thereby reducing overall 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
The solution effectively increases the illuminated surface area while allowing for customizable illumination patterns, ensuring compliance with legal standards and maintaining aesthetic appeal by using a mask template unit to project patterns onto a projection screen, thus enhancing the signal function's effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a projection screen (7) which is embodied so that the light beam is deflected in the main radiation direction
Implementation Method 2
a mask template unit (10) for the generation of an illumination pattern from a light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting appliance for vehicles with a light unit includes a light source and a light guide assigned to the light source for the creation of a given light function, wherein the light guide is embodied as a rod-shaped light guide with a punctiform surface for the coupling-out of light or as a flat light guide with a line-shaped or a sheet-like surface for the coupling-out of light, wherein for the creation of the light function, a light surface magnifying unit is provided, which comprises a light source and a mask template unit for the generation of an illumination pattern from a light beam sent from a light source onto a projection screen.