Thick appearance lens using reflective surfaces
US12259100B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2024 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21Y2115/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure include a relatively thin lens that leverages reflective surfaces to provide a thick lens appearance and methods of manufacturing the same. An exemplary vehicle includes a component having a lens. The lens includes a light pipe configured such that opposite sidewalls of the light pipe face each other across an airgap, a first reflector surface having a first reflective material formed on a first sidewall of the opposite sidewalls, a second reflector surface having a second reflective material formed on a second sidewall of the opposite sidewalls, and a third surface positioned between the first reflector surface and the second reflector surface and configured such that light can pass through the third surface and into the airgap. A path of light within the airgap is elongated due to internal reflections between the first reflector surface and the second reflector surface, thereby providing an infinity mirror effect.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.