Composite optical element
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsDaniel Shellhause, Bo Stout, Newel Stephens
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for forming a composite optical element having a transparent lens carrier and a lens attached to the transparent lens carrier. The lens is formed from liquid silicone rubber. The Young's modulus of the material of the lens carrier is higher than that of liquid silicone rubber. The lens carrier includes a plurality of surface features configured to interface with the transparent lens.
Claims18
A composite optical element for use in a vehicle lighting system, comprising:
- a transparent lens carrier formed from a first material having a first Young's modulus;
- and
- a lens attached to the transparent lens carrier, the lens being formed from liquid silicone rubber and having a second Young's modulus less than the first Young's modulus, wherein the transparent lens carrier comprises a plurality of surface features configured to interface with the lens, the surface features comprising capture features embedded within the lens.
A lighting system, the lighting system including:
- at least one light source;
- and
- a composite optical element comprising:
- a transparent lens carrier formed from a first material having a first Young's modulus;
- and
- a lens attached to the transparent lens carrier, the lens being formed from liquid silicone rubber and having a second Young's modulus less than the first Young's modulus, wherein the transparent lens carrier comprises a plurality of surface features configured to interface with the lens, the surface features comprising capture features embedded within the lens.
A method of forming a composite optical element for use in a vehicle lighting system, the method comprising:
- forming a transparent lens carrier from a first material having a first Young's modulus,
- forming a plurality of surface features on a surface of the transparent lens carrier, the surface features comprising capture features;
- and
- forming a lens around the plurality of surface features using liquid silicone rubber, such that the capture features are embedded within the lens, the liquid silicone rubber having a second Young's modulus lower than the first Young's modulus of the first material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.