U.S. patent application number 13/443298 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-10 for vehicle light assembly with photon recycling.
This patent application is currently assigned to FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Sleiman N. Abdelnour, Anthony Nicholas Aquilina, Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake, Stephen Kenneth Helwig, Arun Kumar. Invention is credited to Sleiman N. Abdelnour, Anthony Nicholas Aquilina, Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake, Stephen Kenneth Helwig, Arun Kumar.
Application Number | 20130265791 13/443298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49292183 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130265791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dassanayake; Mahendra Somasara ;
et al. |
October 10, 2013 |
VEHICLE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH PHOTON RECYCLING
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.
Inventors: |
Dassanayake; Mahendra Somasara;
(Bloomfield Hills, MI) ; Aquilina; Anthony Nicholas;
(Royal Oak, MI) ; Kumar; Arun; (Farmington Hills,
MI) ; Helwig; Stephen Kenneth; (Farmington Hills,
MI) ; Abdelnour; Sleiman N.; (Macomb, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dassanayake; Mahendra Somasara
Aquilina; Anthony Nicholas
Kumar; Arun
Helwig; Stephen Kenneth
Abdelnour; Sleiman N. |
Bloomfield Hills
Royal Oak
Farmington Hills
Farmington Hills
Macomb |
MI
MI
MI
MI
MI |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
49292183 |
Appl. No.: |
13/443298 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/520 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 43/26 20180101;
F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21S 43/14 20180101; F21S 43/40 20180101;
F21S 43/33 20180101; F21S 43/19 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/520 |
International
Class: |
F21V 5/02 20060101
F21V005/02; F21V 5/04 20060101 F21V005/04 |
Claims
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.degree.
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.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the drawings:
[0009] 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;
[0010] 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;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a plan view of vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 with
vehicle light assemblies mounted in trunk and rear side panel
locations;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a schematic of one
embodiment of the vehicle light assembly;
[0013] FIG. 3A is an upward-oriented, exploded perspective view of
the vehicle light assembly in FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 3B is an enlarged, upward-oriented, exploded
perspective view of the vehicle light assembly in FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a schematic of a
second embodiment according to the vehicle light assembly;
[0016] FIG. 4A is an upward-oriented, exploded perspective view of
the vehicle light assembly in FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 4B is an enlarged, top-down, exploded perspective view
of the vehicle light assembly in FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a tail light assembly
with vehicle light assembly embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of the tail light
assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 in an illuminated state;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the tail
light assembly illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is downward, cross-sectional view of the tail light
assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 at the approximate mid-plane of the
assembly; and
[0022] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] 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.
[0024] FIGS. 1, 1A 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. 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 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.
[0025] 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 as tail light
assemblies 90 and 100 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 1A and
2. Likewise, these assemblies are described in further detail in
later sections of this specification.
[0026] 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 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. When light
source assembly 60 is illuminated, the red light produced by
assembly 60 is highly uniform across portions 91 and 101 of tail
light assemblies 90 and 100. In some configurations, the red light
produced by 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 of vehicle 2, even when light source assembly 60
is an illuminated state.
[0027] 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. As
depicted in FIGS. 3 and 3A, chamber 20 is defined by width 21a,
height 21b and length 21c. Chamber 20 is also defined by inner
radius 21r.sub.1 and outer radius 21r.sub.2.
[0028] 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.
[0029] Eventually, 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.
[0030] Internally reflected light rays 16 (as reflected from
prismatic elements 28) 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)
are reflected back within chamber 22 as reflected light rays 16. In
contrast, 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. As such,
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. Preferably, 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.degree.) or less from normal to the lens 24 are
reflected back within chamber 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 partially transmissive lens 24 in vehicle light
source assembly 30 to achieve similar effects.
[0031] As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3A, 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.
[0032] Transmitted light rays 18 that pass through partially
transmissive lens 24 also pass through an anti-reflective layer 26,
if present. In FIGS. 3 and 3A, 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. Preferably,
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. In
addition, 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.
[0033] Various light sources may be employed for light sources 10
as known in the art. Preferably, high power LED light sources are
used for light sources 10. Even when light sources 10 are
configured as high power LEDs, the light reflection and propagation
within chamber interior 22 has the effect of producing a uniform
intensity light pattern that emanates from vehicle light assembly
30.
[0034] Partially transmissive lens 24 may be configured with or
without prismatic elements 28. Thus, other configurations of
partially transmissive lens 24 are viable that ensure that some
propagating light rays 14 continue to reflect and propagate within
chamber interior 22 before passing through lens 24 as transmitted
rays 18. According to one embodiment, lens 24 is configured to
ensure that approximately 60 to 70% of propagating light rays 14
that strike lens 24 are reflected as internally reflected rays 16
and continue to propagate within chamber interior 22. Partially
transmissive 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 of lens 24. Other metal films, layers, compositions and
structures as known in the art can also be arranged within
partially transmissive lens 24 to achieve a similar function.
[0035] 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) 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, 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. For example, isotropically luminant surfaces 6
could be fabricated from a white, polyurethane material with a
matte finish. Alternatively, 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] Chamber 20 and its interior 22 are not limited to the
rectangular cuboid-like configuration depicted in FIG. 3 according
to dimensions 21a, 21b, 21c, 21r.sub.1 and 21r.sub.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. In particular, chamber 20 can be engineered
to optimize the propagation effects of initial light rays 12 from
light source(s) 10 within chamber 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 within chamber
interior 22. In essence, 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.
[0038] 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. In almost all respects, vehicle light
assembly 60 is configured and operates in the same fashion as the
vehicle light assembly 30 shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B. As depicted
in FIG. 4, 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] In turn, 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). Ultimately,
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.
[0041] 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, 1A and 2. As shown in FIGS. 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 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.
[0042] Vehicle tail light assembly (trunk) 100 includes fog,
reverse and rear position functions. For instance, 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. Similarly, 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.
[0043] 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. For
example, 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.
[0044] FIG. 6 provides an exploded, perspective view of the vehicle
light assemblies 90 and 100 depicted in FIGS. 5 and 5A. In
addition, FIGS. 7 and 8 provide cross-section views of the vehicle
light assemblies 90 and 100 depicted in FIGS. 5 and 5A. As shown in
FIGS. 6-8, both vehicle light assemblies 90 and 100 contain two
chambers, one top-most (outer) chamber 94 and one bottom-most
(inner) chamber 96. In vehicle light 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 106 and 108, substantially reflective surface 62 and
partially transmissive lens 118. As described above, 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). Similarly, 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. As also described
above, 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.
[0045] 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. When the brakes of the vehicle (not shown) have been activated,
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.
[0046] In contrast, when the head lights of the vehicle have been
activated, 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. As a result, 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.
[0047] 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.
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