10 patents in this list

Updated:

Compact automotive lighting design not only looks visually pleasing but also serves a functional purpose- improve aerodynamics, seamlessly incorporate into the vehicle's exterior, provide options for more new lighting configurations, and much more.

This page explores recent patents that showcase how manufacturers are making lighting components more compact while still maintaining performance.

1. Slim Profile Vehicle Lamp Module with Optimized Beam Pattern Design

SL Corporation, 2023

Lamp module and vehicle lamp design that allows slim lamp profiles while maintaining optimal beam patterns . The lamp module has a light guide unit with a stepped portion that obstructs some light from reaching the emitting area. This creates a cutoff edge at the correct position to form the beam pattern. The stepped portion aligns with the rear focal plane of the emitting area. Multiple modules can be arranged to create different beam regions like spot and spread.

2. Slim Design Vehicle Lamp with Integrated Beam Pattern Control

SL Corporation, 2023

A slim vehicle lamp design that improves the aesthetics of vehicle lamps while maintaining optimal beam patterns. The lamp has multiple light source modules arranged in the width of the vehicle. Each module has a reflector to direct light forward. A shield obstructs some light from each reflector as it travels towards the lens. The lens is integrated and aligned with the modules. This allows slimmer lamp dimensions by hiding some of the light reshaping inside the module instead of the lens. The shielded light is reshaped by the lens grid to form the desired beam patterns.

US20230258311A1-patent-drawing

3. Integrated Optical Element for Compact, High-Performance Matrix LED Headlights

HASCO VISION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., 2023

A simplified headlight optical element design that integrates multiple functions into a compact unit to enable smaller, lower cost matrix LED headlights without compromising performance. The optical element has a curved surface design with light incident and emergent portions that connect to a light transmitting portion. The element can be mounted in a headlight module with light sources. The small size and integrated optics simplify manufacturing and allow individual LED control for glare-free adaptive driving beam capabilities.

US11708953B2-patent-drawing

4. Micro-LED Technology for High-Resolution Automotive and Augmented Reality Displays

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, 2022

Displays and lighting devices for augmented reality and automotive applications with improved resolution, contrast, and directionality for applications like head-up displays, virtual retinal displays, and AR glasses. The displays use micro-LED arrays with sub-pixel sizes as small as 1 micron, which allows high-resolution and density displays. The micro-LEDs have optimized light extraction, collimation, and color conversion to reduce crosstalk between pixels. The displays also use techniques like fly-eye lenses, flip-chip assembly, and pulse width modulation to improve performance.

5. Micro LED Chip-Based Curved Array Module for Enhanced Automotive Lighting

ZKW Group GmbH, 2020

A lamp for vehicles that uses micro LED chips to improve light output efficiency while maintaining visibility and signal notifications. The lamp has a parabolic array module with micro LED chips arranged in a curved shape to prevent field curvature aberration. This avoids non-uniform light distribution and dark corners. The curved array module is placed inside a lens system to shape and focus the light. By locating the array module center within or near the lens system, it allows the lens to induce waveform changes without aberrations. This improves overall light output and uniformity from the curved array compared to a flat array.

US10731814B2-patent-drawing

6. Integrated Compact LED Module for Enhanced Automotive Lighting

Inova Semiconductors GmbH, 2020

Compact LED module for vehicles that integrates the LEDs, driver, and control circuitry into a single housing. The LEDs and control electronics are arranged in one piece inside the housing. This compact design allows mounting LEDs with reliable performance in tight spaces, like vehicle interiors, where external components aren't needed. The integrated LED module simplifies wiring and reduces heat issues compared to separate components.

7. High-Brightness, Miniature LED Technology for Compact Display Applications

SORAA, INC., 2020

Small high-brightness LED sources for applications like displays where size and efficiency are critical. The LEDs have a base area less than 300 μm² but still emit sufficient light for applications like displays. This is achieved by using vertical LED structure, higher electrical resistance materials, and optimizing the electrode layout to maximize active area utilization. The LEDs have high surface brightness, high wallplug efficiency, and compact size.

8. Uniform LED Light Band Technology for Compact and Efficient Automotive Headlights

Tinglin Guo, Derun Liu, 2017

LED headlight that provides a continuous, uniformly illuminated light band for headlights instead of using multiple individual LEDs. The LED light source has a continuously luminous light band that provides a uniform illumination. The LED light band conforms to a specific formula for luminous density at each point to match the required illumination levels at specific distances. This allows a simpler, more compact and efficient LED headlight design compared to using multiple discrete LEDs. The light band can be curved for lower beams and has a 45 degree spread.

US9702518B2-patent-drawing

9. Dual-Function Compact LED Lamp for Fog and Daytime Running Lights in Automotive Applications

YUNG-FA LIN, 2014

LED lamps for cars that can be used as both fog lights and daytime running lights (DRLs) while saving space. The lamp has multiple reflectors, the first LED lights for fog mode and the second LED lights for DRL mode. The brightness of the first LEDs is lower than the second LEDs. The lamp is designed for long, narrow installation positions in cars where space is limited. A line beam transfers signals from the car to control the LED brightness. This allows the lamp to function as either fog lights or DRLs, depending on the driving conditions.

US20140063832A1-patent-drawing

10. Compact Vehicle Fog Light Design with Reflector-Free Beam Shaping

Valeo Vision, 2009

Compact fog light for vehicles that provides a beam with cutoff without a reflector. The light uses a lens in front of the light source instead of a reflector. The lens is shaped to direct the light downwards and prevent glare. The light source, like LEDs, is positioned perpendicular to the optical axis. This allows a compact headlight without a bulky reflector. The lens can have wings to shape the beam. The light source and lens can be combined in a single unit for further compactness.

Request the PDF report with complete details of all 10 patents for offline reading.

By overcoming barriers in making the components compact, engineers are creating new possibilities for vehicle design and functionality. The innovations in miniature automotive lighting-- from integrated beam shaping to micro-LED applications, demonstrate the future of these technologies that are smaller, smarter, and more versatile.