Vehicle Lighting Device with Reflector-Covered Light Exit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle lighting devices require a wide opening to expose both light exits for primary and secondary light distributions, limiting the possibility of reducing the opening width and resulting in an unsightly design.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting device utilizing a light guiding lens with a first and second light exit surface, where a reflector covers and reflects light from the second exit surface to direct it in a different direction, allowing only the first exit surface to be exposed, thereby reducing the opening width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both light exits for primary and secondary light distributions are exposed at the front of the lighting device, then both light distributions can be achieved, but the opening width becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension by positioning the second light exit surface at the rear side of the light guiding lens and using a reflector to redirect light from this rear surface. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both primary and secondary light distributions to be achieved without requiring both exits to be visible at the front, thereby reducing the opening width while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element that captures light from the second light exit surface (located at the rear) and redirects it to illuminate the secondary direction. This mediator enables the system to achieve dual light distribution functionality while keeping the second exit hidden from the front view, thus solving the contradiction between functionality and compact opening width.
2Area of stationary object
If the second light exit surface is positioned at the rear side and covered by a reflector, then the opening width is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding lens is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides light to the first light exit surface for primary distribution and simultaneously guides light to the second light exit surface at the rear for secondary distribution via the reflector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing structural complexity while achieving compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the primary and secondary light distribution paths within a single light guiding lens structure. By integrating both light exit surfaces and their respective optical paths into one lens, the design achieves compact opening width without requiring separate lenses or complex multi-component assemblies, thus balancing compactness with structural simplicity.
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 illumination of two directions with a narrower opening width compared to traditional devices, enhancing design aesthetics and functionality while maintaining effective light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a light guiding lens guiding light from the light source to make the light exit from a light exit in a front part thereof
Implementation Method 2
a reflector is disposed in front of the second light exit surface such that the reflector covers the second light exit surface and reflects the light, which is made to exit through the second light exit surface, in a second illuminating direction different from the first illuminating direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting device includes a light source and a light guiding lens guiding light from the light source to make the light exit from a light exit in a front part thereof. The light exit of the light guiding lens includes a first light exit surface through which the light is made to exit in a first illuminating direction and a second light exit surface disposed adjacent to the first light exit surface in a front view and through which the light is made to exit in a forward direction. A reflector is disposed in front of the second light exit surface such that the reflector covers the second light exit surface and reflects the light, which is made to exit through the second light exit surface, in a second illuminating direction different from the first illuminating direction.