Vehicle Lighting Unit with Movable Optics for Variable Beam Spread
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting systems for off-road vehicles lack the ability to adjust the angle of light spread, forcing users to choose between fixed narrow or wide beams, which is inadequate for varying terrain and conditions, and the installation of auxiliary LED lights is labor-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit with an adjustable light component that utilizes a combination of Total Internal Reflection optics and plano-convex lenses, allowing the angle of light spread to be adjusted from narrow spot to wide flood, using a programmable controller for manual or automatic adjustment, enabling the light fixture to be affixed to vehicles and operate within extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a fixed narrow beam angle is used, then illumination distance is improved, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable optic that can be repositioned along the optical axis of the LED light source. By moving the optic between different positions (first position for narrow beam, second position for wide beam), the system dynamically adjusts the beam angle to adapt to different driving conditions while maintaining effective illumination distance
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed wide beam angle is used, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but illumination distance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable optic allows the system to switch between wide beam mode (when positioned at the second position for general area illumination) and narrow beam mode (when positioned at the first position for long-distance illumination), thereby maintaining both adaptability and illumination distance through dynamic reconfiguration
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate lighting units are installed to provide different beam angles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single lighting unit universal by incorporating a movable optic that can provide multiple beam angles (narrow and wide) from one LED source. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for installing multiple separate lighting units while maintaining full adaptability for different driving conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of multiple separate lighting units (narrow beam unit and wide beam unit) into a single integrated unit with a movable optic. By merging these functions, the system reduces installation complexity and cost while providing the same adaptability options
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 provides a versatile lighting system that can adapt to different driving conditions, offering a range of light spreads from very narrow to very wide, enhancing visibility and safety while reducing installation complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
A lighting unit with an adjustable light component that utilizes a combination of Total Internal Reflection optics and plano-convex lenses
Implementation Method 2
A lighting unit with an adjustable light component that utilizes a combination of Total Internal Reflection optics and plano-convex lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture for vehicles is described herein. The light fixture is configured to produce a variable light output with variable angle of light spread. A light source, such as a series of connected light emitting diodes, encapsulated by optics, are affixed to a light fixture. A series of optics facing the light source may thus be manipulated and moved in a linear fashion towards or away from a light source in order to achieve a particular angle of light spread. The optics are controlled by a controller coupled to the light fixture and may function in an automated method or may respond to manual control. An adjustability mechanism assembly existing within and coupled to the light fixture operates the series of optics in a linear fashion towards or away from a light source. The light fixtures produce a range of light spreads from a focused spot light to a wider flood light.