Motor Vehicle Signaling Device with Interference Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-color lighting and signaling devices for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving required brightness criteria when using a single light guide with multiple light sources, as the arrangement of diodes is sensitive and often results in significant light intensity loss due to incorrect orientation of light beams.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a single light guide with two different light sources, where one beam is deflected using an optical interference reflector to ensure both beams are centered and correctly oriented, allowing for optimal light propagation and intensity, and incorporating a converging lens to manage beam width and angle, enabling the device to perform both position and flashing light functions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two light sources are superimposed on the input face of a single light guide, then the device can fulfill two functions with a single light guide, but the light intensity is significantly lost due to incorrect orientation of the beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical device (interference reflector or beam splitter) as an intermediary element between the two light sources and the light guide. This intermediary redirects one of the light beams at a 45-degree angle so that both beams can enter the light guide along the same propagation axis, eliminating misalignment losses while maintaining multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by introducing a dimensional transformation through the optical device. Instead of placing both light sources directly on the input face (2D arrangement), one source is positioned offset and its beam is redirected through the optical device to converge with the other beam along the propagation axis (3D spatial transformation), enabling correct orientation without direct superimposition
2Illumination intensity
If two light sources are arranged to both be centered on the input face of the light guide, then optimal light propagation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device serves as a mediator that simplifies the overall arrangement. Instead of requiring both light sources to be precisely centered (which would require complex positioning mechanisms), the intermediary optical device handles the alignment task by redirecting one beam, thereby reducing the positioning complexity while maintaining optimal light propagation
3Ease of manufacture
If a single light guide is used for two functions, then production costs and space requirements are reduced, but the light intensity criteria may not be met due to beam orientation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device acts as a cost-effective intermediary that enables a single light guide design to meet luminosity criteria for both functions. By redirecting one beam through the optical device, the system achieves optimal light intensity without requiring multiple light guides, thereby maintaining production cost efficiency while meeting performance requirements
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 achieves the necessary luminosity criteria for both functions, reduces production costs and space requirements, and offers aesthetic flexibility by ensuring correct light orientation and intensity, making it suitable for compact, high-performance designs.
Implementation Method 1
said means for deflecting said second beam comprise an optical device able to reflect the second beam light towards said input face of the light guide, said screen is an interference reflector, said interference reflector is configured to reflect light whose wavelength corresponds to a color of the second light beam
Implementation Method 2
The light propagates in the guide by total reflection up to an exit face, which projects the light so as to be seen by the vehicles which follow or precede it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting and/or signaling device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a first light source (S1) capable of emitting a first light beam (F1), a second light source (S2) capable of emitting a second light beam (F2), a light guide (2) configured to guide said light beams (F1, F2), said light guide (2) comprising an entry face (3) for said light beams (F1, F2), said device (1) being configured to direct at least one of said light beams (F1, F2) so that each of said light beams is substantially centered around the same propagation axis (A), common to all of said beams, when they meet said entry face (3) of the light guide (2).