Motor Vehicle Lighting Device with Light Guide Element in Reflector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting systems for motor vehicles are complex and expensive, with mutual influencing of light functions being a significant issue that affects their performance and safety.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a lens, reflector, and light guide element, where the light guide element is positioned in the reflector to prevent mutual interference between light functions, using prisms for light adjustment and a shading element to prevent unwanted light coupling, and a heat sink for efficient cooling, allowing for a compact and efficient design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple light functions are integrated in a compact lighting device, then space utilization is improved, but mutual interference between light functions occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting device compactnessVSAvoidlight function interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is segmented into separate functional modules: a first light module for main beam functions and a second light module for daytime running lights. Each module has its own light source and optical system, allowing independent control and preventing light interference while maintaining compact integration through shared housing and mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A reflector is introduced as an intermediary optical element to redirect and separate light paths from different light modules. The reflector ensures that light from the first and second light modules travels along distinct trajectories, preventing mutual interference while enabling both functions to operate simultaneously within the same lighting device housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex optical systems are used to achieve multiple light functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight function versatilityVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device employs universal components that serve multiple functions: a single housing structure accommodates both light modules, a shared reflector system directs light from both sources, and common mounting mechanisms install the entire assembly. This multi-functionality approach achieves versatile lighting capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity or cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple light functions are merged into a single integrated lighting device rather than using separate assemblies. The first light module (for low beam/high beam) and second light module (for daytime running lights) are combined within one housing, sharing common structural elements and mounting interfaces, thereby reducing overall complexity compared to separate installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If light guide elements are positioned close to light sources, then compactness is improved, but light function interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight module dimensionVSAvoidlight coupling interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is designed with spatially varying properties: different sections have different reflectivity characteristics and angular orientations tailored to their specific functions. The local optical properties are optimized to direct light from each module along its intended path while preventing cross-interference, allowing compact positioning without sacrificing light function separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 simple, compact, and efficient lighting system with improved luminous efficacy, effective light distribution, and enhanced safety by preventing interference between light functions, while also simplifying production and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide element (24) to which a further light function is assigned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a reflector (26) which at least partially surrounds the light exit area (34) in the immediate vicinity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The lamp module (16) can include a heat sink, which is designed to cool illuminants of the first light function and/or illuminants of the second light function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Data Source

PatentEP3233569B1Lighting device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 MARELLI GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3233569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3233569B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3233569B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a lamp module having a light emission region (34), to which at least one first light function is allocated, a reflector (26), which directly adjacently surrounds the light emission region (34), at least in part, and a light conductor element (24), to which an additional light function is allocated, wherein a coupling region of the light conductor element (24) is arranged in front of an illuminant (32) and a decoupling region of the light conductor element (24) is arranged in the reflector (26).