Vehicle Lighting Unit with Nested Optical Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle lighting units face challenges in arranging multiple lamps within a limited area, making it difficult to optimize space and achieve effective light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting unit configuration that includes multiple semiconductor light sources and optical members, with an outer peripheral optical member surrounding the first optical member and the second light source and optical member disposed behind the first optical member, allowing for efficient light projection and distribution within a compact space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple lamps are arranged at different positions in the front area of a vehicle body, then each lamp can be positioned optimally for its function, but it becomes difficult to arrange the plurality of lamps within a limited area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the second optical member and second light source inside the structure formed by the first optical member. The outer peripheral optical member surrounds the first optical member, creating a nested configuration where multiple lighting functions are integrated within a compact structure, reducing the overall area while maintaining functional optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of lamps on the vehicle front to a three-dimensional configuration where optical members are stacked and nested in depth. The second light source and optical member are positioned behind the first optical member, utilizing the depth dimension to accommodate multiple lamps within a limited frontal area
2Area of stationary object
If multiple lamps are arranged within a limited area, then space is optimized, but the structural complexity of the lighting unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical members and light sources into a single integrated lighting unit structure. The outer peripheral optical member encompasses the first optical member, and both are supported by a common support member, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity despite the compact arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The optical members are designed to serve multiple functions: the first optical member controls light from the first light source for primary illumination, while also guiding light from the second light source through the outer peripheral optical member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall structure
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
Enables the arrangement of multiple lamps such as headlamps and daytime running lamps within a limited area, enhancing light distribution patterns and reducing the overall size of the lighting unit while maintaining effective illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical member configured to control light from the first light source... receive light from the first light source through the incident surface and reflect the light by at least part of the front surface and then by at least part of the rear surface to project the reflected light
Implementation Method 2
a second optical member configured to guide the light from the second light source to the outer peripheral optical member so as to allow the light to exit through the outer peripheral optical member
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting unit can include at least one optical module including: first and second light sources; first and second optical member configured to control light from the first and second light sources, respectively; and an outer peripheral optical member configured to surround the first optical member. The first optical member can include an incident surface, and front and rear surfaces and receive light from the first light source through the incident surface and reflect the light by part of the front surface and then part of the rear surface to project the reflected light through part of the front surface. The second optical member is configured to guide the light from the second light source to the outer peripheral optical member so that the light exits through the outer peripheral optical member, and the second light source, and the second optical member are disposed behind the first optical member.