Lighting systems employing optical fibers

• US 4,811,172 A
• Filed: 11/23/1987
• Issued: 03/07/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/1987
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Davenport, John M., Hansler, Richard L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hagarman, Sue
• Application Number:
  US07/123,844
• Time in Patent Office: 470 Days
• Field of Search: 362/32, 362/61, 362/80
• US Class Current: 362/511
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0011 with light guides for distributing the light between several lighting or signalling devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/24 Light guides
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/247 with a single light source being coupled into the light guide
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/251 the light guides being used to transmit light from remote light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0006 Coupling light into the fibre in general G02B6/4298
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0008 the light being emitted at the end of the fibre
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4298 coupling with non-coherent light sources and/or radiation detectors, e.g. lamps, incandescent bulbs, scintillation chambers

Abstract

A lighting system particularly suited for aerodynamically styled automobiles and aircraft is disclosed. The lighting system emits light from a strip arranged across a vehicle such as the automobile. The lighting system may comprise various subsystems finding application for the high and low beam frontal illumination and rear illumination all of the automobile. Each of the subsystems comprises a high intensity light source coupled to one end of each of a plurality of light pipes or optical fibers with each having their other end preferably positioned relative to a reflective element and lens. The reflective elements are arranged relative to a lens element to provide a prescribed illumination patterns. In one embodiment the lenses are arranged relative to each other and are located across a strip of the automobile to provide a composite beam to serve the needs of the high and low beam illumination patterns for the automobile.

Claims

1. A lighting subsystem for a vehicle comprising:

(a) a high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized, said high intensity light source having a filament disposed therein with a predetermined diameter; and

(b) a plurality of optical carrying devices each having one end predeterminedly coupled to said light source so that the spacing between the ends of the optical carrying devices fibers and the filaments is approximately equal to said diameter of said filament, said optical carrying devices each having their other end mountable in the frontal area of said vehicle, said optical carrying devices providing the frontal illumination pattern of said vehicle when said light source is activated.

3. A lighting subsystem according to claim 1 comprising:

(a) said high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized;

(b) said plurality of optical carrying devices each having one end predeterminedly coupled to said light source with the other end of each said optical carrying devices predeterminedly positioned relative to a respective reflective element;

(c) each of said respective reflective elements being respectively arranged with a lens element capable of being mounted on a device; and

(d) said lens elements each providing a prescribed illumination pattern when said light source is activated.

4. A lighting system for an automobile comprising a first, a second, a third, and a fourth lighting subsystem each according to claim 3 and further comprising;

(a) said first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a first plurality of optical fibers;

(b) said second subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being energized and coupled to one end of each of a second plurality of optical fibers;

(c) said third subsystem comprising a third high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized along with said first high intensity light source and coupled to one end of each of a third plurality of optical fibers;

(d) said fourth subsystem comprising a fourth high intensity light source capable of being energized along with said second light source and coupled to one end of each of a fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(e) a first plurality of reflective elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to the other ends of said first and third plurality of optical fibers;

(f) a second plurality of reflective elements predeterminendly and respectively located relative to the other ends of said second and fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(g) a first plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said first plurality of reflective elements so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said first and third light sources, said first plurality of lens elements being mountable across a portion of the frontal area of said automobile;

(h) a second plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said second plurality of reflective elements so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said second and fourth light sources, said second plurality of lens elements being mountable across another portion of said frontal area of said automobile; and

(i) said first and second plurality of lens elements being effective for providing the forward illumination for said automobile upon the energization of either or all of said first, second, third and fourth light sources.

5. A lighting system for an automobile comprising a first and a second lighting subsystem each according to claim 3 and further comprising;

(a) said first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of at least one first optical fiber;

(b) said second lighting subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of at least another optical fiber;

(c) at least one reflective element predeterminedly located relative to the other end of said at least one optical fiber;

(d) a second reflective element predeterminedly located relative to the other end of said at least another optical fiber;

(e) at least one lens element predeterminedly located relative to said at least one reflective element so as to provide a desired illumination pattern upon the energization of the first light source, said at least one lens being mountable at one side of the rear section of an automobile;

(f) at least another lens element predeterminedly located relative to said at least another reflective element so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of the second light source, said at least another lens element being mountable at the other rear section of said automobile; and

(g) said at least one and said at least another lens elements being effective for providing rearward illumination of said automobile.

6. A lighting system for an aircraft comprising a first, a second, a third, and a fourth lighting subsystem each according to claim 3 and further comprising;

(a) said first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a first plurality of optical fibers;

(b) said second subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being energized and coupled to one end of each of a second plurality of optical fibers;

(c) said third subsystem comprising a third high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized along with said first high intensity light source and coupled to one end of each of a third plurality of optical fibers;

(d) said fourth subsystem comprising a fourth high intensity light source capable of being energized along with said second light source and coupled to one end of each of a fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(e) a first plurality of reflective elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to the other ends of said first and third plurality of optical fibers;

(f) a second plurality of reflective elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to the other ends of said second and fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(g) a first plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said first plurality of reflective elements so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said first and third light sources, said first plurality of lens elements being mountable across a portion of the frontal area of an aircraft;

(h) a second plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said second plurality of reflective elements so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said second and fourth light sources, said second plurality of lens elements being mountable across another portion of said frontal area of said aircraft; and

(i) said first and second plurality of lens elements being effective for providing the forward illumination of said aircraft upon the energization of either or all of said first, second, third and fourth light sources.

7. A lighting system for an aircraft comprising a first and a second lighting subsystem each according to claim 3 and further comprising;

(a) said first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a first plurality of optical fibers;

(b) said second lighting subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a second plurality of optical fibers;

(c) a first plurality of reflective elements predeterminedly located relative to the other end of said first plurality of optical fibers;

(d) a second plurality of reflective elements predeterminedly located relative to the other end of said second plurality of optical fibers;

(e) a first plurality lens elements predeterminedly located relative to said first plurality of reflective elements so as to provide a desired illumination pattern upon the energization of the first light source, said first plurality of lens elements being mountable at one side of an aircraft;

(f) a second plurality of lens elements predeterminedly located relative to said second plurality of reflective elements so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of the second light source, said second plurality of lens elements being mountable at the other side of said aircraft; and

(g) said first and second plurality of lens elements being effective for providing the marker light illumination of said aircraft.

9. A lighting subsystem according to claim 1 comprising:

(a) said high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized;

(b) said plurality of optical carrying devices each having one end predeterminedly coupled to said light source with the other end of each optically carrying device predeterminedly positioned relative to respective lens elements capable of being mounted on a device; and

(c) said lens elements each providing a prescribed illumination pattern when said light source is activated.

10. A lighting system for an automobile comprising a first, a second, a third, and a fourth lighting subsystem each according to claim 9 and further comprising;

(a) said first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a first plurality of optical fibers;

(b) said second subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being energized and coupled to one end of each of a second plurality of optical fibers;

(c) said third subsystem comprising a third high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized along with said first high intensity light source and coupled to one end of each of a third of plurality of optical fibers;

(d) said fourth subsystem comprising a fourth high intensity light source capable of being energized along with said second light source and coupled to one end of each of a fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(e) a first plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said first and third plurality of optical fibers elements so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said first and third light sources, said first plurality of lens elements being mountable across a portion of the frontal area of said automobile;

(f) a second plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said second and fourth plurality of optical fibers so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said second and fourth light sources, said second plurality of lens elements being mountable across another portion of said frontal area of said automobile; and

(g) said first and second plurality of lens elements being effective for providing the forward illumination for said automobile upon the energization of either or all of said first, second, third and fourth light sources.

11. A lighting system for an automobile comprising a first and a second lighting subsystem each according to claim 9 and further comprising;

(a) said first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of at least one optical fiber;

(b) said second lighting subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of at least another optical fiber;

(c) at least one lens element predeterminedly located relative to said at least one optical fiber so as to provide a desired illumination pattern upon the energization of the first light source, said at least one lens element being mountable at one side of the rear section of said automobile; and

(d) at least another lens element predeterminedly located relative to said at least another optical fiber so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of the second light source, said at least another lens element being mountable at the other rear section of said automobile; and

(e) said at least one and said at least another lens elements being effective for providing the rearward illumination of said automobile.

12. A lighting system for an aircraft comprising a first, a second, a third, and a fourth lighting subsystem each according to claim 9 and further comprising;

(a) said first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a first plurality of optical fibers;

(b) said second subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being energized and coupled to one end of each of a second plurality of optical fibers;

(c) said third subsystem comprising a third high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized along with said first high intensity light source and coupled to one end of each of a third of plurality of optical fibers;

(d) said fourth subsystem comprising a fourth high intensity light source capable of being energized along with said second light source and coupled to one end of each of a fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(e) a first plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said first and third plurality of optical fibers so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said first and third light sources, said first plurality of lens elements being mountable across a portion of the frontal area of an aircraft;

(f) a second plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said second and fourth plurality of optical fibers so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said second and fourth light sources, said second plurality of lens elements being mountable across another portion of said frontal area of said aircraft; and

(g) said first and second plurality of lens elements being effective for providing the forward illumination for said aircraft upon the energization of either or all of said first, second, third and fourth light sources.

13. A lighting system for an aircraft comprising a first and a second lighting subsystem each according to claim 9 and further comprising;

(a) said first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a first plurality of optical fibers;

(b) said second lighting subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a second plurality of optical fibers;

(c) a first plurality lens elements predeterminedly located relative to said first plurality of optical fibers so as to provide a desired illumination pattern upon the energization of the first light source, said first plurality of lens elements located at one side of an aircraft;

(d) a second plurality of lens elements predeterminedly located relative to said second plurality of optical fibers so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern upon the energization of the second light source, said second plurality of lens elements being mountable at the other side of said aircraft; and

(e) said first and second plurality of lens elements being effective for providing the marker light illumination of said aircraft.

15. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein said plurality of optical carrying devices comprise optical fibers.

16. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 15 wherein said plurality of optical fibers comprise thirty (30) optical fibers and each have a diameter of about 1.5 mm.

17. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 16 wherein said light source comprises an incandescent filament having a outer diameter of 1.8 mm, a filament tube having a central portion of about 4.0 mm, a light output of about 2000 lumens and a length to diameter ratio of about 30 to about 4.

18. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein said high intensity light source is an incandescent filament tube.

19. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 17 wherein said plurality of optical fibers are in direct contact with the incandescent high intensity light source.

20. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein said lens elements are of a fresnel type lens having an F/number in the range of about 0.6 to about 1.0.

21. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein said lenses are formed of a plastic material and arranged in a strip that is conformable to the shape of the front end of an automobile.

22. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein the central portion of said reflective elements are predeterminedly positioned so that the end of the fiber optics are at a distance from the lens equal to the focal length of their respective lens elements.

23. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein said plurality of optical carrying devices comprise optical fibers.

24. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein said plurality of optical fibers consist of thirty (30) optical fibers and each have a diameter of about 1.5 mm.

25. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein said light source comprises an incandescent filament having an outer diameter of 1.8 mm, a filament tube having an outer diameter of about 4.0 mm, a light output of about 2000 lumens and a length to diameter ratio of about 30 to about 4.

26. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein said high intensity light source is an incandescent filament tube.

27. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 23 wherein said plurality of optical fibers are in direct contact with said high intensity light source.

28. A lighting subsystem according to claim 26 wherein said light source is remotely located from said fiber optics and its light output is coupled to said optical fibers by means of an elliptical reflector.

29. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein said lens elements are of a fresnel type lens having an F/number in the range of about 0.6 to about 1.0.

30. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein said lenses are formed of a plastic material and arranged in a strip that conforms to the shape of the front end of the vehicle.

31. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein the central portion of said optical fibers are predeterminedly positioned at the focal length of their respective lens elements.

32. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 28 wherein said light source is located and one of the focal points of said elliptical reflector and the optical fibers are located at the other focal point of said elliptical reflector.

33. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein said high intensity light source is a high intensity discharge lamp.

34. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 9 wherein said lens elements are of an aspheric type lens having an F/number in the range of about 0.6 to about 1.0.

35. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein said high intensity light source is a high intensity discharge lamp.

36. A lighting subsystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein said lens elements are of an aspheric type lens having a F/number in the range of about 0.6 to about 1.0.

2. A lighting subsystem for a vehicle comprising:

(a) a high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized, said high intensity light source having a filament disposed therein with a predetermined diameter; and

(b) a plurality of optical carrying devices each having one end predeterminedly coupled to said light source so that the spacing between the ends of the optical carrying devices and the filament is approximately equal to said diameter of said filament, said optical carrying devices each having their other end mountable within the interior of said vehicle, said optical carrying devices providing interior illumination for said vehicle when said light source is activated.

8. A display lighting system comprising;

(a) a high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized, said high intensity light source having a filament disposed therein with a predetermined diameter; and

(b) a plurality of optical carrying devices each having one end predeterminedly coupled to said light source so that the spacing between the ends of the optical carrying devices fibers and the filament is approximately equal to said diameter of said filament, said optical carrying devices each having one end predeterminedly coupled to said light source with the other end of each said optical carrying devices predeterminedly positioned relative to a respective reflective element;

(c) each of said respective reflective elements being respectively arranged with a lens element capable of being mounted on a device; and

(d) said lens elements each providing a prescribed illumination pattern when said light source is activated, said lens element being further arranged relative to each other to provide illumination for a desired sign configuration.

14. A display sign lighting system comprising;

(a) a high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized, said high intensity light source having a filament disposed therein with a predetermined diameter; and

(b) a plurality of optical carrying devices each having one end predeterminedly coupled to said light source so that the spacing between the ends of the optical carrying devices fibers and the filament is approximately equal to said diameter of said filament, said optical carrying devices each having one end predeterminedly coupled to said light source with the other end of each optically carrying device predeterminedly positioned relative to respective lens elements capable of being mounted on a device; and

(c) said lens elements each providing a prescribed illumination pattern when said light source is activated, said lens elements being further arranged relative to each other to provide illumination for a desired sign configuration.

37. A lighting system for a vehicle comprising;

(a) a first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a first plurality of optical fibers;

(b) a second subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being energized and coupled to one end of each of a second plurality of optical fibers;

(c) a third subsystem comprising a third high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized along with said first high intensity light source and coupled to one end of each of a third plurality of optical fibers;

(d) a fourth subsystem comprising a fourth high intensity light source capable of being energized along with said second light source and coupled to one end of each of a fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(e) a first plurality of reflective elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to the other ends of said first and third plurality of optical fibers;

(f) a second plurality of reflective elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to the other ends of said second and fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(g) a first plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said first plurality of reflective elements, said first and third plurality of optical fibers being positioned relative to the center line of their respective lens elements by an angle in the range of about three (3) to five (5) degrees so as to provide a low beam illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said first and third light sources, said first plurality of lens elements being mountable across a portion of the frontal area of said vehicle; and

(h) a second plurality of lens elements predeterminedly and respectively located relative to said second plurality of reflective elements, said second and fourth plurality of optical fibers being positioned to correspond, in a perpendicular manner, to the center line of their respective lens elements so as to provide a high beam illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said second and fourth light sources, said second plurality of lens elements being mountable across another portion of said frontal area of said vehicle.

38. A lighting system according to claim 37 wherein said high intensity light source is an incandescent filament tube.

39. A lighting system according to claim 37 wherein said high intensity light source is a high intensity light source.

40. A lighting system for a vehicle comprising;

(a) a first subsystem comprising a first high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized and coupled to one end of each of a first plurality of optical fibers;

(b) a second subsystem comprising a second high intensity light source capable of being energized and coupled to one end of each of a second plurality of optical fibers;

(c) a third subsystem comprising a third high intensity light source capable of being selectively energized along with said first high intensity light source and coupled to one end of each of a third of plurality of optical fibers;

(d) a fourth subsystem comprising a fourth high intensity light source capable of being energized along with said second light source and coupled to one end of each of a fourth plurality of optical fibers;

(e) a first plurality of lens elements related to said first and third plurality of optical fibers, said first and third plurality of optical fibers being positioned relative to the center line of their respective lens element members by an angle in the range of about three (3) to five (5) degrees so as to provide a low beam illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said first and third light sources, said first plurality of lens elements being mountable across a portion of the frontal area of said vehicle; and

(f) a second plurality of lens elements related to said second and fourth plurality of optical fibers, said second and fourth plurality of optical fibers being positioned to correspond, in a perpendicular manner, to the center line of their respective lens element so as to provide a high beam illumination pattern upon the energization of either or both of said second and fourth light sources, said second plurality of lens elements being mountable across another portion of said frontal area of said vehicle.

41. A lighting system according to claim 40 wherein said high intensity light source is an incandescent filament tube.

42. A lighting system according to claim 40 wherein said high intensity light source is a high intensity light source.