Vehicle Lighting Device Segmented Housing Light Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting devices face challenges in achieving homogeneous light distribution, reducing glare, and minimizing installation complexity, while also being energy-efficient and cost-effective, particularly in the context of electromobility.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a two-part housing featuring a light channel and a light guide that can be constructed with diffuse or directed properties, using reflective materials and coatings to influence light emission and distribution, and incorporating an intermediate wall to reduce light mixing, with the light guide being either a single or multi-component element and potentially injection-molded onto the housing parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light guide element is used to distribute light, then homogeneous illumination is achieved, but light mixing and unwanted light pollution occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneous illuminationVSAvoidlight mixing and unwanted light pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple segments (first housing part, second housing part, intermediate wall) that compartmentalize the light paths. The intermediate wall acts as a separator between different light guides, preventing light mixing while maintaining homogeneous illumination through each individual light guide element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the housing are assigned different functions: the first housing part contains the first light guide for one lighting function, the second housing part contains the second light guide for another lighting function, and the intermediate wall provides light-tight separation. This local differentiation prevents unwanted light pollution while maintaining homogeneous illumination in each zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting functions are integrated into one device, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple lighting functionsVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into distinct parts (first housing part, second housing part) with an intermediate wall, allowing each segment to house independent light guides for different lighting functions. This modular segmentation enables multiple lighting functions while keeping each functional unit relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is designed as a universal container that can accommodate multiple different light guides with different functions. The standardized housing design with segmented compartments allows various lighting functions to be integrated without requiring completely different structural solutions for each function.

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

3Ease of operation

If light channels are used to direct light, then light distribution control is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution controlVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light channels are integrated directly into the housing structure itself rather than being separate components. The first housing part and second housing part form the light channels as part of their structural design, eliminating the need for separate channel installations and simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining precise light distribution control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design achieves even, contrast- and shadow-reduced area illumination, minimizes unwanted light pollution, and allows for targeted light distribution, enhancing the functionality and structure of vehicle lighting while optimizing energy efficiency and installation simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light guide arranged adjacent to or within the light outlet opening (15) and configured such that the light emitted by the light-generating module (30) is guided via the light channel (13) to the light guide (20), exits there and is distributed homogeneously or directed to a specific point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

using reflective materials and coatings to influence light emission and distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3954581A1Illumination device for vehicles
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 MARQUARDT GMBH
  • EP3954581A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3954581A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3954581A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device for vehicles comprising a housing formed essentially by a first housing element and at least one second housing element, wherein the housing has at least one receiving space for a light-generating module and at least one light channel for directing the light emitted by the light-generating module to a light guide, and wherein the light guide is formed adjacent to a light-exit opening of the housing. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a lighting device.