Vertical Automotive Lighting Module for Uniform Multi-Function Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive lighting modules can only ensure one regulatory lighting function at a time, requiring multiple modules for different functions, which results in a non-uniform appearance depending on the activated function.

Innovation Solution

A modular lighting system comprising multiple sub-modules, each with a flat optical guide and a light source, configured to produce either a lighting function with a horizontal cut-off or without, and arranged in an alternating pattern to maintain a consistent appearance across different lighting functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate lighting modules are used to provide different regulatory lighting functions, then the lighting functions can be performed, but the illuminated face will have distinct appearances depending on the activated function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function versatilityVSAvoidilluminated face appearance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lighting sub-modules (first sub-modules for low-beam with cut-off and second sub-modules for high-beam without cut-off) into a single integrated lighting module. These sub-modules are juxtaposed to form a unified illuminated face that maintains consistent appearance across different lighting functions, eliminating the need for separate modules with different appearances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting module is divided into multiple independent lighting sub-modules, each capable of producing specific lighting functions. The first lighting sub-modules produce sub-beams with upper horizontal cut-off, while the second lighting sub-modules produce sub-beams without cut-off. This segmentation allows functional versatility while maintaining appearance consistency through their unified arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If a single lighting module is used, then the illuminated face has a uniform appearance, but it can only provide a single lighting function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveilluminated face appearance consistencyVSAvoidlighting function versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting module is designed to perform multiple regulatory lighting functions simultaneously. By incorporating both first lighting sub-modules (for low-beam with cut-off) and second lighting sub-modules (for high-beam without cut-off) within a single module, it achieves multi-functionality while maintaining a uniform illuminated face appearance.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting modules are arranged side by side, then different lighting functions are provided, but the combined output face has distinct illuminated aspects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function coverageVSAvoidmodule arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging multiple separate modules side by side, the patent merges multiple lighting sub-modules into a single integrated module. The sub-modules are juxtaposed within the same housing to form one unified illuminated face, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to provide multiple lighting functions.

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

The solution allows for the simultaneous provision of at least two regulatory lighting functions while maintaining a uniform and consistent appearance, enhancing integration with vehicle body designs and enabling easy incorporation of a daylighting function.

Implementation Method 1

a reflection face capable of reflecting light from the input face towards the output face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4363766B1Vertical automotive lighting module with identical day and night lighting aspects
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4363766B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4363766B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4363766B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting module (12) for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of lighting sub-modules (14, 16) each comprising: at least one light source; a flat optical light guide with an input surface, an output surface and a reflection surface which is capable of reflecting light from the input surface to the output surface; wherein the plurality of lighting sub-modules (14, 16) comprises first lighting sub-modules (14) configured to each produce a lighting sub-beam with an upper horizontal cut-off, and second lighting sub-modules (16) configured to each produce a lighting sub-beam without an upper horizontal cut-off; and the first and second lighting sub-modules (14, 16) are juxtaposed so as to form, along the juxtaposition, a plurality of alternations between the first and second lighting sub-modules (14, 16).