Vehicle Signaling Device 3D Optical Depth Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signaling devices for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving the required photometric conditions while maintaining a cost-effective production process, as the metallic treatment for semi-reflecting screens leads to inconsistent reflection and transmission rates, potentially failing to meet legal standards and causing appearance discrepancies between left and right sidelights.
Innovation Solution
A signaling device design featuring a reflector and a screen with a semi-reflecting zone, where a portion of light rays are transmitted directly and another portion is reflected, allowing for a main image and smaller, repeating images to be generated, ensuring photometric compliance with a reasonable light source power and relaxed tolerance requirements for screen treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a metallic layer is applied to the screen to make it semi-reflecting, then the optical depth effect is achieved, but the reflection and transmission rates become difficult to control within narrow tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into two distinct zones: a first zone with a metallic layer providing semi-reflecting properties for the 3D optical effect, and a second zone without metallic layer providing transparent properties for direct light transmission. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between achieving semi-reflecting properties and controlling reflection/transmission rates within tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the screen are given different optical properties: the first zone has metallic coating for controlled semi-reflection, while the second zone is transparent for direct light passage. This local differentiation of properties allows the screen to simultaneously achieve the 3D optical effect and maintain controllable light transmission, eliminating the need for expensive precision control across the entire screen surface.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard power light sources are used, then the production cost is reduced, but the photometric conditions required by legislation may not be fulfilled
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is segmented into zones that differentially transmit light. The transparent second zone allows standard power light sources to fulfill photometric requirements by transmitting light directly, while the semi-reflecting first zone creates the 3D optical effect. This segmentation enables compliance with legislation using cost-effective standard light sources rather than requiring expensive high-power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent second zone of the screen acts as an intermediary that allows light from standard power sources to pass through with minimal loss, enabling these sources to meet photometric compliance requirements. Without this transparent zone, standard light sources would be insufficient for legislation requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a semi-reflecting screen is used to create 3D effect, then the optical depth effect is generated, but the appearance consistency between left and right sidelights cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is segmented into symmetric zones (first semi-reflecting zone and second transparent zone) that are identically configured on both left and right sidelights. This segmentation with identical zone configurations ensures that both sidelights produce the same optical depth effect and appearance, guaranteeing appearance consistency while maintaining the 3D effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Both left and right sidelights are equipped with screens having identical local quality distribution: the same pattern of metallic-coated first zones and transparent second zones. This uniform application of local quality characteristics across both sidelights ensures consistent optical performance and appearance, resolving the issue of appearance discrepancy.
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 simplifies production, ensures photometric functionality, and provides a 3D visual effect for personalization, maintaining consistent appearance and meeting legal requirements while allowing for a wider tolerance in screen treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the light rays encountering said semi-reflecting zone are reflected by said semi-reflecting zone
Implementation Method 2
some of these rays being transmitted by said semi-reflecting zone
Implementation Method 3
other of these rays being reflected by said semi-reflecting zone and then by said reflector in said cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A light signaling device (2), particularly for motor vehicles, comprising: a reflector (10) with a reflective surface; a screen (7) disposed opposite said reflector and comprising a semi-reflective area; said screen being disposed at a distance from said reflector and forming a cavity (5) with said reflector. The light rays from said source enter said cavity, some of these rays being transmitted by said semi-reflective area and others of these rays being reflected by said semi-reflective area and then by said reflector into said cavity so as to generate a repeating visual depth effect. Said screen (7) is configured and arranged with respect to the direction of emission of the light source so that another portion of the light rays exit the cavity at the height of said screen without encountering the semi-reflective area.