Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Light modifier
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-26
2001-07-17
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Light modifier
C362S300000, C362S304000, C362S310000, C362S560000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260991
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The invention relates to distributed lighting systems.
Distributed lighting systems distribute light from one or more light sources in central or strategic locations to one or more remote locations. A distributed lighting system promises several advantages over conventional lighting techniques, including low power consumption, extended life, heat reduction where the light is emitted, and increased design flexibility.
SUMMARY
In one aspect, generally, a compact illuminator includes a housing having open ends configured to receive waveguides. A reflector is positioned within the housing. The reflector has open end portions, a central portion between the end portions, and a light source positioned within the central portion. Side walls extend between the end portions and at least partially enclose the central portion. The side walls protrude inward toward the light source. The reflector is shorter in length than the housing so that the waveguides fit within the housing and abut the end portions of the reflector.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. A length of the end portions may serve to confine light output by the illuminator within the waveguides by internal reflection. An angle formed by the side walls may serve to confine light output by the illuminator within the waveguides by internal reflection. The housing and/or the side walls may have vent holes.
The compact illuminator may include a second reflector having open end portions, a central portion between the end portions and a light source positioned within the central portion. Side walls may extend between the end portions and at least partially enclose the central portion. The side walls may protrude inward toward the light source. An optical waveguide may be positioned between the output of the first illuminator and an input of the second illuminator.
In another aspect, a hybrid compact illuminator includes a housing having reflective interior surfaces. A lens is positioned on a first side of the housing. A primary light source is positioned within the housing to provide a direct lighting function through the lens. An optical waveguide output port holds an optical waveguide in position to receive light from the primary light source. A secondary light source is positioned within a compartment formed in a second side of the housing.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The compartment may protrude from the housing or extend into the housing. The sides of the hybrid compact illuminator may have vent holes.
In another aspect, a redundant distributed lighting system has first and second illuminators. Each illuminator includes open end portions, a central portion between the end portions and a light source positioned within the central portion. Side walls extend between the end portions and at least partially enclose the central portion. The side walls protrude inward toward the light source. The system also includes an optical waveguide positioned between the output of the first illuminator and an input of the second illuminator.
The invention provides a distributed lighting system (DLS) for use, for example, in an automobile. Issues associated with incorporating a distributed lighting system into an automobile are discussed by Hulse, Lane, and Woodward in “Three Specific Design Issues Associated with Automotive Distributed Lighting Systems: Size, Efficiency and Reliability,” SAE Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 960492, which was presented at the SAE International Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Mich., Feb. 26-29, 1996 and Hulse and Mullican in “Analysis of Waveguide Geometries at Bends and Branches for the Directing of Light,” SAE Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 981189, which are incorporated herein by reference.
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Hulse et al., “Analysis of Waveguide Geometries at Bends and Branches for the Directing of Light”, Paper No. 98?????, pp. 1-6.
Hulse, “Focus-less Optics and Their Use in Automotive Distributed Lighting Systems”, SAE Technical Paper Series 970252, SAE International, International Congress & Exposition, Detroit, Michigan, Feb. 24-27, 1997, pp. 1-5.
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Cooper Automotive Products, Inc.
Negron Ismael
Reising Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, Learman & McCulloch, P.C.
Sember Thomas M.
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