US20130265791A1 - Vehicle light assembly with photon recycling - Google Patents
Vehicle light assembly with photon recycling Download PDFInfo
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- US20130265791A1 US20130265791A1 US13/443,298 US201213443298A US2013265791A1 US 20130265791 A1 US20130265791 A1 US 20130265791A1 US 201213443298 A US201213443298 A US 201213443298A US 2013265791 A1 US2013265791 A1 US 2013265791A1
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- light
- vehicle
- chamber
- lens
- assembly according
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/30—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
- B60Q1/304—Adaptations of signalling devices having a part on the vehicle body and another on the boot door
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/30—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
- F21S43/33—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/40—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the combination of reflectors and refractors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to light sources and assemblies for vehicles and, more particularly, light sources and assemblies for vehicle signals that produce uniform light output.
- LEDs light-emitting diodes
- Current light source technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
- LEDs offer long life and lower power consumption relative to older technologies, including halogen and incandescent-based light sources.
- Reduced electrical power consumption by a vehicle can provide increased vehicle fuel efficiency.
- the longer lifetimes associated with LEDs can justify their relatively higher cost compared to other light sources.
- LED lights have certain disadvantages when employed in vehicle signaling applications.
- LEDs are highly directional in the sense that they produce high light output over a relatively small area.
- Light sources that rely on LEDs often have an undesirable appearance with bright hot spots. This characteristic may limit the use of standard LEDs in vehicle signaling applications that require homogeneous light output over a large area.
- LEDs also have lower light output limits relative to other lighting technologies. Consequently, numerous LEDs may need to be employed in conventional light source assembly arrangements, resulting in high cost and power consumption levels for these light assemblies.
- One aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle light assembly having a light chamber secured to a vehicle member.
- the light chamber includes a partially transmissive lens and an interior with a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces.
- the vehicle light assembly includes a light source arranged within the light chamber. The light source is substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes at least one of the isotropically luminant surfaces, subsequently propagates within the chamber along the isotropically luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens.
- a vehicle light assembly that includes a light chamber secured to a vehicle member.
- the chamber includes a partially transmissive lens, and an interior comprising a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces and a reflective surface.
- the vehicle light assembly includes a light source that is arranged within the light chamber. The light source is substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes the reflective surface, subsequently propagates within the chamber along the isotropically luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle depicting rear position lamps with vehicle light assemblies according to one embodiment mounted in trunk and rear side panel locations;
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a vehicle depicting rear position lamps with illuminated vehicle light assemblies mounted in trunk and rear side panel locations;
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 with vehicle light assemblies mounted in trunk and rear side panel locations;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a schematic of one embodiment of the vehicle light assembly
- FIG. 3A is an upward-oriented, exploded perspective view of the vehicle light assembly in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 3B is an enlarged, upward-oriented, exploded perspective view of the vehicle light assembly in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a schematic of a second embodiment according to the vehicle light assembly
- FIG. 4A is an upward-oriented, exploded perspective view of the vehicle light assembly in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 4B is an enlarged, top-down, exploded perspective view of the vehicle light assembly in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a tail light assembly with vehicle light assembly embodiments
- FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of the tail light assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 in an illuminated state
- FIG. 6 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the tail light assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is downward, cross-sectional view of the tail light assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 at the approximate mid-plane of the assembly.
- FIG. 8 is a leftward, cross-sectional view of the rear side panel portion of the tail light assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 at a plane near the trunk portion of the tail light assembly.
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .
- the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- FIGS. 1 , 1 A and 2 provide perspective and plan views of vehicle 2 configured with trunk tail light assemblies 100 and rear side panel tail light assemblies 90 .
- Tail light assemblies 90 and 100 are coupled to members (not shown) of vehicle 2 and function as vehicle tail light signals.
- assemblies 90 and/or 100 provide the following functions: rear turn signal (e.g., illuminated with a yellow or amber light when turn signals or hazard button is activated), rear position (e.g., illuminated with a red light when headlights are ON), stop signal (e.g., illuminated with a high intensity red light when brakes are applied) and reverse (e.g., illuminated with a high intensity white light when the vehicle transmission is in reverse).
- rear turn signal e.g., illuminated with a yellow or amber light when turn signals or hazard button is activated
- rear position e.g., illuminated with a red light when headlights are ON
- stop signal e.g., illuminated with a high intensity red light when brakes are
- Light assemblies 90 and/or 100 may also provide a rear fog light function (e.g., illuminated with a high intensity red light).
- the stop light signals are illuminated by stop light sources 102 ; the rear turn signals are illuminated by turn signal light sources 104 ; the fog light signals are illuminated by fog light sources 106 ; and the reverse (back-up) signals are illuminated by reverse (backup) light sources 108 .
- Trunk and rear side panel light assemblies 90 and 100 each contain a vehicle light source assembly comparable to light source assembly 60 , depicted in schematic form in FIGS. 4 , 4 A and 4 B and described in further detail in subsequent sections of this specification.
- FIGS. 5-7 depict vehicle arrangements of tail light assemblies that are suitable for use as tail light assemblies 90 and 100 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 , 1 A and 2 . Likewise, these assemblies are described in further detail in later sections of this specification.
- vehicle light source assembly 60 provides the rear position signal function in the depicted configuration.
- FIG. 1A shows light assemblies 90 and 100 when the rear position signal function is in an ON-state. Accordingly, FIG. 1A depicts the situation when vehicle light source assembly 60 exists in an illuminated state when tail light sources 110 (shown in FIGS. 5B and 6 ) are activated.
- tail light sources 110 shown in FIGS. 5B and 6
- FIG. 1A depicts the situation when vehicle light source assembly 60 exists in an illuminated state when tail light sources 110 (shown in FIGS. 5B and 6 ) are activated.
- the red light produced by assembly 60 is highly uniform across portions 91 and 101 of tail light assemblies 90 and 100 .
- the red light produced by assemblies 90 and 100 i.e., when light source assembly 60 is illuminated
- the light source(s) 110 within light source assembly 60 are not readily discernible by an observer outside of vehicle 2 , even when light source assembly 60 is an
- FIGS. 3 and 3A provide a schematic of a vehicle light assembly 30 that may be used, for example, in a rear portion of a vehicle, particularly in the trunk and/or rear side panels.
- the vehicle light assembly 30 includes a light chamber 20 that is secured to a member of a vehicle (not shown).
- Chamber 20 includes a partially transmissive lens 24 and an interior 22 with a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces 6 .
- Partially transmissive lens 24 further includes multiple prismatic elements 28 (with multiple facets oriented approximately 40 to 50 degrees from the plane defined by prismatic lens 24 ), and an anti-reflective layer 26 .
- chamber 20 is defined by width 21 a , height 21 b and length 21 c .
- Chamber 20 is also defined by inner radius 21 r 1 and outer radius 21 r 2 .
- Vehicle light assembly 30 also includes multiple light sources 10 that are substantially oriented to emanate light rays 12 that initially strike at least one of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6 . After striking an isotropically luminant surface 6 , initial light rays 12 are reflected and propagated within the chamber 20 as propagating light rays 14 . Note that initial rays 12 reflect in various directions off of at least one isotropically luminant surface 6 , thus propagating within chamber 20 as propagating light rays 14 . These propagating light rays 14 continue to reflect and propagate within chamber 20 off of other isotropically luminant surfaces 6 within the interior 22 of chamber 20 .
- propagating light rays 14 strike partially transmissive lens 24 and prismatic elements 28 .
- Low angle propagating light rays 14 (rays directed at an angle 40 to 45 degrees or less from normal to the partially transmissive lens 24 ) are reflected off of the prismatic elements 28 within the partially transmissive lens 24 as internally reflected rays 16 .
- These reflected rays 16 continue to reflect and propagate within chamber interior 22 off of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6 .
- Other high angle propagating light rays 14 (rays directed at an angle greater than 45 from normal to the partially transmissive lens 24 ) are transmitted through partially transmissive lens 24 and prismatic elements 28 as transmitted light rays 18 .
- Internally reflected light rays 16 are depicted in greater detail in FIG. 3B .
- Propagating light rays 14 that strike prismatic elements 28 at an angle 40 to 45 degrees or less from normal to the partially transmissive lens 24 i.e., low-angle propagating light rays 14
- high-angle propagating light rays 14 that strike elements 28 at an angle greater than 45 degrees from normal to lens 24 are transmitted through the lens 24 and prismatic elements 28 , exiting the chamber interior 22 .
- the threshold angle for internal reflection of propagating light rays 14 off of prismatic elements 28 depends on the configuration of prismatic elements 28 .
- the facets of prismatic elements 28 may be arranged in various angles, thus affecting the threshold angle of propagating light rays 14 that will be internally reflected off of prismatic elements 28 . Accordingly, this threshold angle also affects the overall percentage of light rays 14 that are transmitted through lens 24 , and the percentage of light rays 14 that continue to propagate and reflect within chamber interior 22 .
- the facets of prismatic elements 28 are oriented such that propagating light rays 14 that strike prismatic elements 28 at an angle of forty-two degrees (42°) or less from normal to the lens 24 are reflected back within chamber interior 22 as reflected light rays 16 .
- the dimensions of prismatic elements 28 e.g., relative height, pitch, shape, and peak-to-peak spacing
- transmitted light rays 18 thus exit chamber 20 through partially transmissive lens 24 .
- These transmitted rays 18 are uniform (or nearly uniform) in intensity throughout the surface area of partially transmissive lens 14 .
- the maxima and minima of intensity of the emission pattern associated with initial light rays 12 from light sources 10 are averaged through the process of light reflection and propagation within chamber interior 22 off of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6 . Consequently, light rays 18 viewed by an observer are uniform over the broad area of lens 24 , giving the lens a glowing appearance with no discrete locations of high intensity light.
- Transmitted light rays 18 that pass through partially transmissive lens 24 also pass through an anti-reflective layer 26 , if present.
- anti-reflective layer 26 is configured as part of lens 24 .
- Anti-reflective layer 26 can be comprised of various materials and compositions as known in the art to block all but certain, desired light wavelengths.
- anti-reflective layer 26 is configured to reflect all but red, amber, yellow or white wavelengths of light. Accordingly, transmitted rays 18 will appear red, amber, yellow or white depending on the configuration of anti-reflective layer 26 .
- anti-reflective layer 26 may be configured as a separate anti-reflective lens beneath partially transmissive lens 24 in chamber interior 22 or anti-reflective layer 26 may be configured as an anti-reflective lens external to partially transmissive lens 24 . In either configuration, transmitted light rays 18 that pass through anti-reflective layer 26 and exit chamber interior 22 will appear to the outside observer in a particular hue—red, yellow, amber or white.
- light sources 10 may be employed for light sources 10 as known in the art.
- high power LED light sources are used for light sources 10 .
- Isotropically luminant surfaces 6 are arranged on all interior surfaces of chamber interior 22 except for the surface(s) associated with partially transmissive lens 24 .
- Isotropically luminant surfaces 6 i.e., non-specular surfaces
- isotropically luminant surfaces 6 may be comprised of various materials, films, layers and structures as known in the art, provided that they diffuse and propagate initial light 12 , propagating light 14 and internally reflected light 16 , all within chamber interior 22 .
- isotropically luminant surfaces 6 could be fabricated from a white, polyurethane material with a matte finish.
- isotropically luminant surfaces 6 can be fabricated of any number of materials and structures, provided that they are coated with a non-specular, matte white paint.
- Light source assembly 30 may include a plurality of light sources 10 . However, the quantity of light sources 10 required in assembly 30 to produce a relatively uniform light intensity pattern emanating from chamber 20 is relatively low. Thus, vehicle light assembly 30 achieves a highly uniform light emission pattern with low energy usage and low light source assembly cost. In addition, light source assembly 30 may rely on a single light source 10 to produce the desired high uniformity light emission pattern that emanates from chamber 20 .
- Chamber 20 and its interior 22 are not limited to the rectangular cuboid-like configuration depicted in FIG. 3 according to dimensions 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , 21 r 1 and 21 r 2 .
- Chamber 20 may be arranged in various shapes and geometries provided that it contains an interior 22 with interior surfaces comprising isotropically luminant surfaces 6 and at least one partially transmissive lens 24 .
- chamber 20 can be engineered to optimize the propagation effects of initial light rays 12 from light source(s) 10 within chamber interior 22 .
- chamber 20 can be configured in a slender shape (e.g., akin to a fiber optic cable or light pipe) with light source(s) arranged at an oblique angle to enhance the light reflection and propagation effect off of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6 within chamber interior 22 .
- a slender shape e.g., akin to a fiber optic cable or light pipe
- the dimensions and shape of chamber 20 are optimized to maximize the propagation and reflection of initial light rays 12 to average out the maxima and minima of the incident light emission pattern from light source(s) 10 arranged within chamber interior 22 .
- FIG. 4 depicts another vehicle light assembly 60 that may be employed, for example, in a rear position lamp in the trunk of a vehicle and/or rear side panel of vehicle light assemblies, such as the assemblies 90 and 100 that are coupled to vehicle 2 and depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- vehicle light assembly 60 is configured and operates in the same fashion as the vehicle light assembly 30 shown in FIGS. 3 , 3 A and 3 B.
- there are two differences in vehicle light assembly 60 compared to assembly 30 (a) the addition of a substantially reflective layer 62 to partially transmissive lens 24 ; and (b) the orientation of light source(s) 10 toward reflective layer 62 .
- Chamber 20 of vehicle light assembly 60 includes a chamber interior 22 having a substantially reflective layer 62 in addition to multiple isotropically luminant surfaces 6 .
- Chamber 20 also includes a partially transmissive lens 24 .
- Substantially reflective layer 62 may be configured within, adjacent to or underneath partially transmissive lens 24 .
- the light source 10 or light sources 10 are arranged within chamber 20 and substantially oriented to emanate light 12 that initially strikes the reflective surface 62 , reflecting off of surface 62 as initially reflected light 13 (see also FIG. 4A ).
- Light source(s) 10 are configured (e.g., aimed) to ensure that the majority of the initial light 12 initially strikes reflective surface 62 and reflects within chamber interior 22 as initially reflected light 13 .
- these initially reflected light rays 13 strike the isotropically luminant surfaces 6 , thus reflecting and propagating within chamber interior 22 as propagating light 14 .
- These propagating light rays 14 eventually strike partially transmissive lens 24 . Some of them are transmitted through lens 24 (and anti-reflective layer 26 , if present) as transmitted light 18 and others are reflected off of lens 24 within chamber interior 22 as internally reflected light 16 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B ).
- the effect of this light reflection and propagation within the chamber interior 22 is similar to the effect described for the vehicle light assembly 30 depicted within FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 5 and 5A provide a perspective view of tail light assemblies 90 (rear side panel) and 100 (trunk). These assemblies may be employed as the tail light assemblies in the configuration of vehicle 2 depicted in FIGS. 1 , 1 A and 2 .
- vehicle tail light assembly (rear side panel) 90 includes turn signal, stop/brake light and rear position functions.
- assembly 90 includes turn signal light sources 104 arranged behind a yellow anti-reflective lens 114 . All but yellow-hued wavelengths of light from turn signal light sources 104 are reflected within the assembly 90 . Thus, only yellow light is transmitted and viewable by an outside observer when turn signals of the vehicle (not shown) are activated.
- Vehicle tail light assembly 90 also includes stop light sources 102 arranged behind a red anti-reflective lens 112 . High intensity light from stop light sources 102 is transmitted through red anti-reflective lens 112 and only red wavelengths from light sources 102 are visible when the brakes of the vehicle (not shown) have been activated.
- Vehicle tail light assembly (trunk) 100 includes fog, reverse and rear position functions.
- assembly 100 includes fog light sources 106 arranged behind a white anti-reflective lens 116 . All but white-hued wavelengths of light from light sources 106 are reflected within the assembly 100 . Consequently, only white light is transmitted and viewable by an outside observer when the fog light function of the vehicle (not shown) has been activated.
- assembly 100 includes a reverse (backup) light source 108 , also arranged behind the white anti-reflective lens 116 . Accordingly, when the vehicle is engaged in reverse, the reverse light source 108 is activated and only white light is observable outside of assembly 100 .
- Tail light sources 110 configured within vehicle light assembly 60 (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A ) serve as the light source for vehicle tail light assemblies 90 and 100 and provide the rear position function of the tail lights of the vehicle.
- Light from light sources 110 reflects and propagates within the chamber interior 22 (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A ) associated with each of the assemblies 60 within vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 . This light is then transmitted through the partially transmissive lens 24 (also not shown) and the red, anti-reflective lens 112 . Eventually, this light is visible as red light emanating from assemblies 90 and 100 according to the rear position function.
- vehicle tail light assemblies 90 and 100 are illuminated according to the rear position function when the operator has activated the headlights of the vehicle.
- Tail light sources 110 are then activated causing vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 to be illuminated with a glowing, red hue as shown in FIG. 5A in schematic form.
- FIG. 6 provides an exploded, perspective view of the vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 depicted in FIGS. 5 and 5A .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 provide cross-section views of the vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 depicted in FIGS. 5 and 5A .
- both vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 contain two chambers, one top-most (outer) chamber 94 and one bottom-most (inner) chamber 96 .
- the top-most (outer) chamber 94 is defined by red, anti-reflective lens 112 , white, anti-reflective lens 116 , fog and reverse (backup) light sources 106 and 108 , substantially reflective surface 62 and partially transmissive lens 118 .
- lights sources 106 and 108 transmit light through partially transmissive lens 118 and white, anti-reflective lens 116 (not lens 112 ), producing visible white light when the fog lights are activated or the vehicle is placed into a reverse gear (not shown).
- the top-most (outer) chamber 94 in vehicle light assembly 100 is defined by red, anti-reflective lens 112 , yellow, anti-reflective lens 114 , turn signal light sources 104 , substantially reflective surface 62 and partially transmissive lens 118 .
- light sources 104 transmit light through partially transmissive lens 118 and yellow, anti-reflective lens 114 (not lens 112 ), producing visible yellow light when the turn signals in the vehicle (not shown) have been activated.
- the bottom-most (inner) chamber 96 depicted in FIGS. 6-8 for both vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 is defined by light source 110 , stop light sources 102 , substantially reflective surface 62 , partially transmissive lens 24 and isotropically luminant surfaces 6 .
- the stop light sources 102 are illuminated and light is transmitted through partially transmissive lens 24 into top-most (outer) chamber 94 , and then through red, anti-reflective lens 112 . Accordingly, the light exiting top-most (outer) chamber 94 according to the stop-light function appears bright red and the light sources 102 are visible as discrete, high-intensity spots from the rear of the vehicle.
- vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 engage the rear position function of the vehicle, producing a uniform, red glow emanating from each of the assemblies 90 and 100 .
- Light from light source 110 is directed within the bottom-most chamber 96 toward substantially reflective surface 62 .
- the light is then reflected off of substantially reflective surface 62 and strikes one or more of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6 within the bottom-most chamber 96 .
- the light reflects and propagates within chamber 96 off of other isotropically luminant surfaces 6 as propagating light rays 14 . It then strikes partially transmissive lens 24 .
- Some of the propagating light 14 is then transmitted through partially transmissive lens 24 as transmitted light rays 18 and then enters the top-most chamber 94 . At this point, the light then passes through chamber 94 and through red, anti-reflective lens 112 . As such, vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 are illuminated with a glowing red appearance in the region of the top-most chamber 94 where red, anti-reflective lens 112 is present. Note that the remainder of the light that is not transmitted through lens 24 reflects as internally reflected light rays 16 and propagates further off of isotropically luminant surfaces 6 within bottom-most chamber 96 as propagating rays 14 . This process continues until the propagating light rays 14 eventually exit chamber 96 through lens 24 , and the red, anti-reflective lens 112 .
- Vehicle light assemblies that employ light source assembly 30 , light source assembly 60 or related configurations can be used in vehicle signaling applications requiring uniform light output at low cost and power consumption.
- the appearance of the light output from these light source assemblies is also aesthetically pleasing.
- these light source assemblies can be readily engineered into a variety of assembly shapes, sizes and dimensions without significantly comprising performance, cost and power usage. Variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
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- Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
Abstract
A vehicle light assembly comprising a light chamber secured to a vehicle member. The chamber includes a partially transmissive lens and an interior. The interior includes a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces and a substantially reflective surface. Further, the vehicle light assembly includes a light source arranged within the light chamber, and the light source is substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes the substantially reflective surface, propagates within the chamber along the isotropically luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to light sources and assemblies for vehicles and, more particularly, light sources and assemblies for vehicle signals that produce uniform light output.
- Current light source technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), offer long life and lower power consumption relative to older technologies, including halogen and incandescent-based light sources. Reduced electrical power consumption by a vehicle can provide increased vehicle fuel efficiency. The longer lifetimes associated with LEDs can justify their relatively higher cost compared to other light sources.
- LED lights, however, have certain disadvantages when employed in vehicle signaling applications. For example, LEDs are highly directional in the sense that they produce high light output over a relatively small area. Light sources that rely on LEDs often have an undesirable appearance with bright hot spots. This characteristic may limit the use of standard LEDs in vehicle signaling applications that require homogeneous light output over a large area. LEDs also have lower light output limits relative to other lighting technologies. Consequently, numerous LEDs may need to be employed in conventional light source assembly arrangements, resulting in high cost and power consumption levels for these light assemblies.
- In view of the above, it is apparent that there exists a need for vehicle light assemblies for signaling applications that produce uniform light output, use relatively little power and can be manufactured at relatively low cost.
- One aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle light assembly having a light chamber secured to a vehicle member. The light chamber includes a partially transmissive lens and an interior with a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces. Further, the vehicle light assembly includes a light source arranged within the light chamber. The light source is substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes at least one of the isotropically luminant surfaces, subsequently propagates within the chamber along the isotropically luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens.
- Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle light assembly that includes a light chamber secured to a vehicle member. The chamber includes a partially transmissive lens, and an interior comprising a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces and a reflective surface. Further, the vehicle light assembly includes a light source that is arranged within the light chamber. The light source is substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes the reflective surface, subsequently propagates within the chamber along the isotropically luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens.
- These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle depicting rear position lamps with vehicle light assemblies according to one embodiment mounted in trunk and rear side panel locations; -
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a vehicle depicting rear position lamps with illuminated vehicle light assemblies mounted in trunk and rear side panel locations; -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of vehicle illustrated inFIG. 1 with vehicle light assemblies mounted in trunk and rear side panel locations; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a schematic of one embodiment of the vehicle light assembly; -
FIG. 3A is an upward-oriented, exploded perspective view of the vehicle light assembly inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 3B is an enlarged, upward-oriented, exploded perspective view of the vehicle light assembly inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a schematic of a second embodiment according to the vehicle light assembly; -
FIG. 4A is an upward-oriented, exploded perspective view of the vehicle light assembly inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 4B is an enlarged, top-down, exploded perspective view of the vehicle light assembly inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a tail light assembly with vehicle light assembly embodiments; -
FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of the tail light assembly illustrated inFIG. 5 in an illuminated state; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the tail light assembly illustrated inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is downward, cross-sectional view of the tail light assembly illustrated inFIG. 5 at the approximate mid-plane of the assembly; and -
FIG. 8 is a leftward, cross-sectional view of the rear side panel portion of the tail light assembly illustrated inFIG. 5 at a plane near the trunk portion of the tail light assembly. - For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . However, the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. In addition, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. -
FIGS. 1 , 1A and 2 provide perspective and plan views ofvehicle 2 configured with trunktail light assemblies 100 and rear side paneltail light assemblies 90.Tail light assemblies vehicle 2 and function as vehicle tail light signals. In particular,assemblies 90 and/or 100 provide the following functions: rear turn signal (e.g., illuminated with a yellow or amber light when turn signals or hazard button is activated), rear position (e.g., illuminated with a red light when headlights are ON), stop signal (e.g., illuminated with a high intensity red light when brakes are applied) and reverse (e.g., illuminated with a high intensity white light when the vehicle transmission is in reverse).Light assemblies 90 and/or 100 may also provide a rear fog light function (e.g., illuminated with a high intensity red light). The stop light signals are illuminated bystop light sources 102; the rear turn signals are illuminated by turnsignal light sources 104; the fog light signals are illuminated byfog light sources 106; and the reverse (back-up) signals are illuminated by reverse (backup)light sources 108. - Trunk and rear side panel light assemblies 90 and 100 each contain a vehicle light source assembly comparable to light source assembly 60, depicted in schematic form in
FIGS. 4 , 4A and 4B and described in further detail in subsequent sections of this specification. In addition,FIGS. 5-7 depict vehicle arrangements of tail light assemblies that are suitable for use astail light assemblies FIGS. 1 , 1A and 2. Likewise, these assemblies are described in further detail in later sections of this specification. - Although not shown in
FIGS. 1 , 1A and 2, vehicle light source assembly 60 provides the rear position signal function in the depicted configuration.FIG. 1A showslight assemblies FIG. 1A depicts the situation when vehicle light source assembly 60 exists in an illuminated state when tail light sources 110 (shown inFIGS. 5B and 6 ) are activated. When light source assembly 60 is illuminated, the red light produced by assembly 60 is highly uniform acrossportions tail light assemblies assemblies 90 and 100 (i.e., when light source assembly 60 is illuminated) will appear as glowing without any discrete, high-intensity spots. Put another way, the light source(s) 110 within light source assembly 60 are not readily discernible by an observer outside ofvehicle 2, even when light source assembly 60 is an illuminated state. -
FIGS. 3 and 3A provide a schematic of a vehiclelight assembly 30 that may be used, for example, in a rear portion of a vehicle, particularly in the trunk and/or rear side panels. The vehiclelight assembly 30 includes alight chamber 20 that is secured to a member of a vehicle (not shown).Chamber 20 includes a partiallytransmissive lens 24 and an interior 22 with a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces 6. Partiallytransmissive lens 24 further includes multiple prismatic elements 28 (with multiple facets oriented approximately 40 to 50 degrees from the plane defined by prismatic lens 24), and ananti-reflective layer 26. As depicted inFIGS. 3 and 3A ,chamber 20 is defined bywidth 21 a,height 21 b andlength 21 c.Chamber 20 is also defined by inner radius 21 r 1 and outer radius 21 r 2. - Vehicle
light assembly 30 also includes multiplelight sources 10 that are substantially oriented to emanatelight rays 12 that initially strike at least one of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6. After striking an isotropicallyluminant surface 6, initial light rays 12 are reflected and propagated within thechamber 20 as propagatinglight rays 14. Note thatinitial rays 12 reflect in various directions off of at least one isotropicallyluminant surface 6, thus propagating withinchamber 20 as propagatinglight rays 14. These propagatinglight rays 14 continue to reflect and propagate withinchamber 20 off of other isotropically luminant surfaces 6 within theinterior 22 ofchamber 20. - Eventually, propagating
light rays 14 strike partiallytransmissive lens 24 andprismatic elements 28. Low angle propagating light rays 14 (rays directed at anangle 40 to 45 degrees or less from normal to the partially transmissive lens 24) are reflected off of theprismatic elements 28 within the partiallytransmissive lens 24 as internally reflected rays 16. These reflected rays 16 continue to reflect and propagate withinchamber interior 22 off of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6. Other high angle propagating light rays 14 (rays directed at an angle greater than 45 from normal to the partially transmissive lens 24) are transmitted through partiallytransmissive lens 24 andprismatic elements 28 as transmitted light rays 18. - Internally reflected light rays 16 (as reflected from prismatic elements 28) are depicted in greater detail in
FIG. 3B . Propagating light rays 14 that strikeprismatic elements 28 at anangle 40 to 45 degrees or less from normal to the partially transmissive lens 24 (i.e., low-angle propagating light rays 14) are reflected back withinchamber 22 as reflected light rays 16. In contrast, high-angle propagatinglight rays 14 that strikeelements 28 at an angle greater than 45 degrees from normal tolens 24 are transmitted through thelens 24 andprismatic elements 28, exiting thechamber interior 22. The threshold angle for internal reflection of propagatinglight rays 14 off ofprismatic elements 28 depends on the configuration ofprismatic elements 28. As such, the facets ofprismatic elements 28 may be arranged in various angles, thus affecting the threshold angle of propagatinglight rays 14 that will be internally reflected off ofprismatic elements 28. Accordingly, this threshold angle also affects the overall percentage oflight rays 14 that are transmitted throughlens 24, and the percentage oflight rays 14 that continue to propagate and reflect withinchamber interior 22. Preferably, the facets ofprismatic elements 28 are oriented such that propagatinglight rays 14 that strikeprismatic elements 28 at an angle of forty-two degrees (42°) or less from normal to thelens 24 are reflected back withinchamber interior 22 as reflected light rays 16. Still further, the dimensions of prismatic elements 28 (e.g., relative height, pitch, shape, and peak-to-peak spacing) can be adjusted within partiallytransmissive lens 24 in vehiclelight source assembly 30 to achieve similar effects. - As further illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 3A , transmittedlight rays 18 thusexit chamber 20 through partiallytransmissive lens 24. These transmitted rays 18 are uniform (or nearly uniform) in intensity throughout the surface area of partiallytransmissive lens 14. The maxima and minima of intensity of the emission pattern associated with initial light rays 12 fromlight sources 10 are averaged through the process of light reflection and propagation withinchamber interior 22 off of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6. Consequently, light rays 18 viewed by an observer are uniform over the broad area oflens 24, giving the lens a glowing appearance with no discrete locations of high intensity light. - Transmitted light rays 18 that pass through partially
transmissive lens 24 also pass through ananti-reflective layer 26, if present. InFIGS. 3 and 3A ,anti-reflective layer 26 is configured as part oflens 24.Anti-reflective layer 26 can be comprised of various materials and compositions as known in the art to block all but certain, desired light wavelengths. Preferably,anti-reflective layer 26 is configured to reflect all but red, amber, yellow or white wavelengths of light. Accordingly, transmittedrays 18 will appear red, amber, yellow or white depending on the configuration ofanti-reflective layer 26. In addition,anti-reflective layer 26 may be configured as a separate anti-reflective lens beneath partiallytransmissive lens 24 inchamber interior 22 oranti-reflective layer 26 may be configured as an anti-reflective lens external to partiallytransmissive lens 24. In either configuration, transmittedlight rays 18 that pass throughanti-reflective layer 26 andexit chamber interior 22 will appear to the outside observer in a particular hue—red, yellow, amber or white. - Various light sources may be employed for
light sources 10 as known in the art. Preferably, high power LED light sources are used forlight sources 10. Even whenlight sources 10 are configured as high power LEDs, the light reflection and propagation withinchamber interior 22 has the effect of producing a uniform intensity light pattern that emanates from vehiclelight assembly 30. - Partially
transmissive lens 24 may be configured with or withoutprismatic elements 28. Thus, other configurations of partiallytransmissive lens 24 are viable that ensure that some propagatinglight rays 14 continue to reflect and propagate withinchamber interior 22 before passing throughlens 24 as transmitted rays 18. According to one embodiment,lens 24 is configured to ensure that approximately 60 to 70% of propagatinglight rays 14 that strikelens 24 are reflected as internally reflectedrays 16 and continue to propagate withinchamber interior 22. Partiallytransmissive lens 24, for example, may be configured with various metalized layers that permit transmission of some, but not all incident light rays. For instance, a relatively thin aluminum metalized layer can provide the partially transmissive effect required oflens 24. Other metal films, layers, compositions and structures as known in the art can also be arranged within partiallytransmissive lens 24 to achieve a similar function. - Isotropically
luminant surfaces 6 are arranged on all interior surfaces of chamber interior 22 except for the surface(s) associated with partiallytransmissive lens 24. Isotropically luminant surfaces 6 (i.e., non-specular surfaces) are defined such that when light falls on them, the light is scattered to a degree that the apparent brightness of the surface to an observer is relatively uniform regardless of the observer's angle of view. Accordingly, isotropicallyluminant surfaces 6 may be comprised of various materials, films, layers and structures as known in the art, provided that they diffuse and propagateinitial light 12, propagatinglight 14 and internally reflected light 16, all withinchamber interior 22. For example, isotropicallyluminant surfaces 6 could be fabricated from a white, polyurethane material with a matte finish. Alternatively, isotropicallyluminant surfaces 6 can be fabricated of any number of materials and structures, provided that they are coated with a non-specular, matte white paint. -
Light source assembly 30 may include a plurality oflight sources 10. However, the quantity oflight sources 10 required inassembly 30 to produce a relatively uniform light intensity pattern emanating fromchamber 20 is relatively low. Thus, vehiclelight assembly 30 achieves a highly uniform light emission pattern with low energy usage and low light source assembly cost. In addition,light source assembly 30 may rely on a singlelight source 10 to produce the desired high uniformity light emission pattern that emanates fromchamber 20. -
Chamber 20 and its interior 22 are not limited to the rectangular cuboid-like configuration depicted inFIG. 3 according todimensions Chamber 20 may be arranged in various shapes and geometries provided that it contains an interior 22 with interior surfaces comprising isotropicallyluminant surfaces 6 and at least one partiallytransmissive lens 24. In particular,chamber 20 can be engineered to optimize the propagation effects of initial light rays 12 from light source(s) 10 withinchamber interior 22. For example,chamber 20 can be configured in a slender shape (e.g., akin to a fiber optic cable or light pipe) with light source(s) arranged at an oblique angle to enhance the light reflection and propagation effect off of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6 withinchamber interior 22. In essence, the dimensions and shape ofchamber 20 are optimized to maximize the propagation and reflection of initial light rays 12 to average out the maxima and minima of the incident light emission pattern from light source(s) 10 arranged withinchamber interior 22. -
FIG. 4 depicts another vehicle light assembly 60 that may be employed, for example, in a rear position lamp in the trunk of a vehicle and/or rear side panel of vehicle light assemblies, such as theassemblies vehicle 2 and depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2 . In almost all respects, vehicle light assembly 60 is configured and operates in the same fashion as the vehiclelight assembly 30 shown inFIGS. 3 , 3A and 3B. As depicted inFIG. 4 , there are two differences in vehicle light assembly 60 compared to assembly 30: (a) the addition of a substantiallyreflective layer 62 to partiallytransmissive lens 24; and (b) the orientation of light source(s) 10 towardreflective layer 62. -
Chamber 20 of vehicle light assembly 60 includes achamber interior 22 having a substantiallyreflective layer 62 in addition to multiple isotropically luminant surfaces 6.Chamber 20 also includes a partiallytransmissive lens 24. Substantiallyreflective layer 62 may be configured within, adjacent to or underneath partiallytransmissive lens 24. Thelight source 10 orlight sources 10 are arranged withinchamber 20 and substantially oriented to emanate light 12 that initially strikes thereflective surface 62, reflecting off ofsurface 62 as initially reflected light 13 (see alsoFIG. 4A ). Light source(s) 10 are configured (e.g., aimed) to ensure that the majority of theinitial light 12 initially strikesreflective surface 62 and reflects withinchamber interior 22 as initially reflectedlight 13. - In turn, these initially reflected
light rays 13 strike the isotropicallyluminant surfaces 6, thus reflecting and propagating withinchamber interior 22 as propagatinglight 14. These propagatinglight rays 14 eventually strike partiallytransmissive lens 24. Some of them are transmitted through lens 24 (andanti-reflective layer 26, if present) as transmittedlight 18 and others are reflected off oflens 24 withinchamber interior 22 as internally reflected light 16 (seeFIGS. 4A and 4B ). Ultimately, the effect of this light reflection and propagation within thechamber interior 22 is similar to the effect described for the vehiclelight assembly 30 depicted withinFIG. 3 . -
FIGS. 5 and 5A provide a perspective view of tail light assemblies 90 (rear side panel) and 100 (trunk). These assemblies may be employed as the tail light assemblies in the configuration ofvehicle 2 depicted inFIGS. 1 , 1A and 2. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 5A , vehicle tail light assembly (rear side panel) 90 includes turn signal, stop/brake light and rear position functions. For instance,assembly 90 includes turn signallight sources 104 arranged behind a yellowanti-reflective lens 114. All but yellow-hued wavelengths of light from turn signallight sources 104 are reflected within theassembly 90. Thus, only yellow light is transmitted and viewable by an outside observer when turn signals of the vehicle (not shown) are activated. Vehicle taillight assembly 90 also includesstop light sources 102 arranged behind a redanti-reflective lens 112. High intensity light fromstop light sources 102 is transmitted through redanti-reflective lens 112 and only red wavelengths fromlight sources 102 are visible when the brakes of the vehicle (not shown) have been activated. - Vehicle tail light assembly (trunk) 100 includes fog, reverse and rear position functions. For instance,
assembly 100 includesfog light sources 106 arranged behind a whiteanti-reflective lens 116. All but white-hued wavelengths of light fromlight sources 106 are reflected within theassembly 100. Consequently, only white light is transmitted and viewable by an outside observer when the fog light function of the vehicle (not shown) has been activated. Similarly,assembly 100 includes a reverse (backup)light source 108, also arranged behind the whiteanti-reflective lens 116. Accordingly, when the vehicle is engaged in reverse, the reverselight source 108 is activated and only white light is observable outside ofassembly 100. -
Tail light sources 110 configured within vehicle light assembly 60 (not shown inFIGS. 5 and 5A ) serve as the light source for vehicletail light assemblies light sources 110 reflects and propagates within the chamber interior 22 (not shown inFIGS. 5 and 5A ) associated with each of the assemblies 60 withinvehicle light assemblies anti-reflective lens 112. Eventually, this light is visible as red light emanating fromassemblies tail light assemblies Tail light sources 110 are then activated causingvehicle light assemblies FIG. 5A in schematic form. -
FIG. 6 provides an exploded, perspective view of thevehicle light assemblies FIGS. 5 and 5A . In addition,FIGS. 7 and 8 provide cross-section views of thevehicle light assemblies FIGS. 5 and 5A . As shown inFIGS. 6-8 , bothvehicle light assemblies chamber 94 and one bottom-most (inner)chamber 96. In vehiclelight assembly 90, the top-most (outer)chamber 94 is defined by red,anti-reflective lens 112, white,anti-reflective lens 116, fog and reverse (backup)light sources reflective surface 62 and partiallytransmissive lens 118. As described above,lights sources transmissive lens 118 and white, anti-reflective lens 116 (not lens 112), producing visible white light when the fog lights are activated or the vehicle is placed into a reverse gear (not shown). Similarly, the top-most (outer)chamber 94 in vehiclelight assembly 100 is defined by red,anti-reflective lens 112, yellow,anti-reflective lens 114, turn signallight sources 104, substantiallyreflective surface 62 and partiallytransmissive lens 118. As also described above,light sources 104 transmit light through partiallytransmissive lens 118 and yellow, anti-reflective lens 114 (not lens 112), producing visible yellow light when the turn signals in the vehicle (not shown) have been activated. - The bottom-most (inner)
chamber 96 depicted inFIGS. 6-8 for bothvehicle light assemblies light source 110,stop light sources 102, substantiallyreflective surface 62, partiallytransmissive lens 24 and isotropicallyluminant surfaces 6. When the brakes of the vehicle (not shown) have been activated, thestop light sources 102 are illuminated and light is transmitted through partiallytransmissive lens 24 into top-most (outer)chamber 94, and then through red,anti-reflective lens 112. Accordingly, the light exiting top-most (outer)chamber 94 according to the stop-light function appears bright red and thelight sources 102 are visible as discrete, high-intensity spots from the rear of the vehicle. - In contrast, when the head lights of the vehicle have been activated,
vehicle light assemblies assemblies light source 110 is directed within thebottom-most chamber 96 toward substantiallyreflective surface 62. The light is then reflected off of substantiallyreflective surface 62 and strikes one or more of the isotropically luminant surfaces 6 within thebottom-most chamber 96. As a result, the light reflects and propagates withinchamber 96 off of other isotropically luminant surfaces 6 as propagatinglight rays 14. It then strikes partiallytransmissive lens 24. Some of the propagatinglight 14 is then transmitted through partiallytransmissive lens 24 as transmittedlight rays 18 and then enters thetop-most chamber 94. At this point, the light then passes throughchamber 94 and through red,anti-reflective lens 112. As such,vehicle light assemblies top-most chamber 94 where red,anti-reflective lens 112 is present. Note that the remainder of the light that is not transmitted throughlens 24 reflects as internally reflectedlight rays 16 and propagates further off of isotropicallyluminant surfaces 6 withinbottom-most chamber 96 as propagatingrays 14. This process continues until the propagatinglight rays 14eventually exit chamber 96 throughlens 24, and the red,anti-reflective lens 112. - Vehicle light assemblies that employ
light source assembly 30, light source assembly 60 or related configurations can be used in vehicle signaling applications requiring uniform light output at low cost and power consumption. The appearance of the light output from these light source assemblies is also aesthetically pleasing. Further, these light source assemblies can be readily engineered into a variety of assembly shapes, sizes and dimensions without significantly comprising performance, cost and power usage. Variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (20)
1. A vehicle light assembly, comprising:
a light chamber secured to a vehicle member, the chamber having a partially transmissive lens and an interior with a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces; and
a light source arranged within the light chamber, the light source substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes at least one of the luminant surfaces, subsequently propagates within the chamber along the luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens.
2. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is a plurality of LED lights.
3. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is a single LED light.
4. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the partially transmissive lens comprises a prismatic element.
5. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the partially transmissive lens comprises a multi-faceted element.
6. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the partially transmissive lens substantially reflects light from the light source oriented at an angle less than or equal to 42° from a direction normal to the lens.
7. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle member is located in a rear portion of the vehicle.
8. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the light chamber is configured as a vehicle tail light.
9. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 8 , further comprising:
an anti-reflective lens, wherein the light that exits the chamber through the partially transmissive lens also passes through the anti-reflective lens and appears as a color selected from the group consisting of red, amber, yellow and white.
10. A vehicle light assembly, comprising:
a light chamber secured to a vehicle member, the chamber having a partially transmissive lens and an interior comprising a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces and a substantially reflective surface; and
a light source arranged within the light chamber, the light source substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes the reflective surface, subsequently propagates within the chamber along the luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens.
11. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the light source is a plurality of LED lights.
12. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the light source is a single LED light.
13. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the substantially reflective surface is configured substantially within a plane defined by the partially transmissive lens.
14. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the partially transmissive lens permits approximately 60% to 70% of incident light from the light source within the chamber to pass through the lens.
15. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 14 , wherein the partially transmissive lens comprises a partially transmissive film that permits approximately 60% to 70% of the incident light from the light source within the chamber to pass through the lens.
16. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the partially transmissive film comprises a layer metalized with aluminum.
17. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the vehicle member is located in a rear portion of the vehicle.
18. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 17 , wherein the light chamber is configured as a vehicle tail light.
19. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 18 , further comprising:
an anti-reflective lens.
20. A vehicle light assembly according to claim 19 , wherein the light that exits the chamber through the partially transmissive lens also passes through the anti-reflective lens and appears as a color selected from the group consisting of red, amber, yellow and white.
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