Hardcoat diffuser for automotive light assemblies
US11867374B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21S45/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A light assembly includes a light source and a lens. The lens includes a hardcoat surface that protects the lens. The light source is positioned close to the lens, and a microtexture is defined in the hardcoat material to increase diffusion of the light to overcome the limitations of the close spacing between the lens and the light source. The hardcoat material and microtexture may be applied to both sides of the lens or one side of the lens. The light source may be a plurality of spaced apart LEDs. The microtexture may be applied to the entire surface of the lens or select regions of the lens. The microtexture is defined after the hardcoat is applied, and is defined via removal or disruption of hardcoat material. The microtexture may be defined in different ways to vary the appearance of the microtexture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.