Liquid Crystal Based Automotive Lighting Michael Strazzanti, Illume LLC
Problems in Automotive Lighting Glare – thousands of US complaints to NHTSA Pedestrian strikes at night Mechanization required for AFS Styling limitations
Glare Visibility opposed to Glare Static situation Number of lamps Visual focus on new lamps
Pedestrian Strikes Low beam insufficient – high beam reluctance High beam auto switching IR systems
AFS Mechanization Complexity AFS lamps Retractable headlamps
New Concept Dynamic solid state light control Optronics - materials with alterable: Refractive index Molecular orientation Anisotropy
Optronic Materials Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Droplets in polymer Light scattering Reverse mode Implemented in exterior applications
Optronic Materials Polymer Stabilized Cholesteric Technology Droplets in polymer network Light scattering Colored by dichroic dyes Implemented in exterior applications
Optronic Materials Dichroic dyed liquid crystal Dichroic dye anisotropy Guest-host
Optronic Materials Tunable lenses Beam steering Photomasking Refractive index gradient Deformable membrane Beam steering Prisms backfilled with liquid crystal Narrow wavelength Attenuation of optics in lens
Forward Lighting Dynamic response of light output to reduce glare Targeted active light distribution based on environment
Other applications: Signal Lamp Single reflector Tail Brake Turn Backup
Signal Lamp Mask Liquid crystal PDLC or PSCT Dichroic dyed liquid crystal 10% light loss assumed
Mask Function Dual filament 3157 bulb PDLC and PSCT attenuate signals Minor filament – tail Major filament – signals PDLC and PSCT attenuate signals
Lamp Appearance
Colorimetric Performance Backup signal Dichroic dye alignment Blue filter
Other Applications: Lamp Concealment Dichroic dyed liquid crystal layers PDLC as diffuser for lamp concealment Improvement over current methods
Lamp Concealment Solid state Led light sources Blend lens with fascia Multicolor states
Environmental Considerations Surmountable challenges Main issues are temperature and UV exposure
Environmental Considerations Exterior liquid crystal display Transparent heaters – ITO layer Doubles as EMI shielding Exterior liquid crystal display Molecular engineering UV cutoff filter Light source selection
Other Applications: Interior Console Combination of switchable mirrors, PDLC, dichroic dyed films for display concealment Camouflage and other styling enhancements Avoid driver distraction with stylistic method
Intellectual Property Seven issued patents Ongoing continuation in part applications Three patents filed internationally Seeking industry partners to bring concepts to market Exclusive licensing Non-exclusive licensing Acquisition
Contact Michael Strazzanti mstrazz@illumeco.com www.illumeco.com