Automotive light assembly with inner lens for combined daytime running light and position light functions

A light assembly for a vehicle, the light assembly comprising:

• a first light source operable to emit light for a position light function of the vehicle;
• a second light source operable to emit light for a Daytime Running Light (DRL) function of the vehicle;
• a third light source operable to emit light for a forward driving light function of the vehicle;
• an inner lens;
• and
• an outer lens manufactured from polycarbonate, and disposed outward of the inner lens to protect the third light source and the inner lens;
• wherein the inner lens includes:
• a first portion formed from a homogenous mixture of polymethyl methacrylate and polyetheresteramide, wherein the first portion of the inner lens is operable to receive light from the first light source and reflect the light outward to provide the position light function;
• and
• a second portion formed from polymethyl methacrylate without any polyetheresteramide, wherein the second portion of the inner lens is operable to receive light from the second light source and direct the light outward through a light emitting edge of the second portion to provide the DRL function;
• wherein the light emitting edge of the second portion is covered by the first portion of the inner lens, such that the light emitted outward through the light emitting edge of the second portion passes through a cross sectional thickness of the first portion of the inner lens.

A method of manufacturing an inner lens of a light assembly for a vehicle, the method comprising:

• molding a first portion from a mixture of polymethyl methacrylate and polyetheresteramide;
• and
• molding a second portion onto the first portion, wherein the second portion is molded from polymethyl methacrylate without any polyetheresteramide;
• wherein the polymethyl methacrylate with the polyetheresteramide in the first portion diffuses light from a first light source to provide a position light function for the vehicle, and wherein the PMMA without the polyetheresteramide in the second portion directs light outward to provide a Daytime Running Light (DRL) function for the vehicle.