Vehicle Lighting Optical Surface Micro-Element Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical surfaces for lighting devices, particularly in vehicles, face complexity in manufacturing due to intricate micro-optical elements, making targeted light beam scattering difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
The use of plate-shaped or trapezoidal micro-optical elements with a central main transmission surface and a secondary inclined surface, arranged on the optical surface, allows for controlled light scattering by adjusting the distance between these surfaces and the oblique angle, enabling targeted light beam deflection and softening of the light-dark boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If micro-optical elements with complex contours are used to scatter light, then light scattering effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-optical element is segmented into distinct functional surfaces: a central main transmitting surface for primary light transmission and a secondary transmitting surface with inclined facets for light scattering. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized independently, with the secondary surface using simple inclined planes rather than complex curved contours, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining scattering effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the micro-optical element have different optical functions: the central main transmitting surface maintains high transmission with minimal deviation, while the secondary transmitting surface at the periphery provides scattering functionality. This local differentiation allows the complex scattering function to be achieved only where needed, using simple geometric facets rather than complex contours across the entire element
2Manufacturing precision
If micro-optical elements completely cover the base surface, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical surface is segmented into multiple identical micro-optical elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each element has the same simple geometric structure with inclined facets, which can be manufactured using standardized processes. This modular segmentation achieves uniform light distribution across the entire surface while keeping individual element manufacturing simple and repeatable
3Manufacturing precision
If the secondary transmission surface uses complex contours, then light scattering control is improved, but manufacturing simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex curved contours to control light scattering, the invention inverts the approach by using simple inclined planar facets. The scattering control is achieved through the arrangement and angles of these simple facets rather than through complex surface curvature, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving precise scattering control
Solution Approach 2:
The light scattering characteristics are controlled by changing geometric parameters of the inclined facets (such as inclination angles and facet dimensions) rather than by complex surface contours. This parameter-based control allows precise adjustment of scattering properties using simple geometric shapes that are easier to manufacture
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
This solution simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring effective light beam scattering and softening of the light-dark boundary, maintaining a homogeneous appearance suitable for vehicle lighting designs.
Implementation Method 1
Only a secondary transmitting surface of the respective micro-optical elements causes the light rays to be scattered with respect to the intended principal direction
Implementation Method 2
light rays passing through this principal transmitting surface would be deflected in the principal direction as if the optical surface in this area were not provided with any micro-optical element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical surface for softening a light-dark boundary of a lighting device for vehicles, comprising a grid of optical elements arranged so as to be distributed over a base surface, by means of which optical elements a light bundle passing through the optical surface can be scattered in regard to a main direction, wherein the optical elements are designed as micro optical elements (3, 3'). Said micro optical elements have a central main passage surface (4, 4') that follows a contour of the base surface (2, 2'). By means of the central main passage surface, light beams of the light bundle are refracted in the main direction (H) in accordance with the contour of the base surface (2, 2'). Said micro optical elements also have a secondary passage surface (5, 5') extending at a tilt angle (α) to the central main passage surface (4, 4'). By means of the secondary passage surface, light beams of the light bundle are scattered in a scattering direction in regard to the main direction (H).