Indicator optic for vehicle lighting module

A lighting module for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting module comprises a light source configured to generate a light emission in an emission direction substantially along a forward operating direction of the vehicle. A circuit is in connection with the light source. The lighting module further comprises an optic device comprising a body forming a receiving surface. The receiving surface is configured to receive an input emission of the light emission. The optic device is configured to transmit the input emission through the body, emit a first portion of the input emission along a primary path directed toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and emit a second portion of the input emission along a stray light path into a light trap formed by the body and arranged substantially opposite the light extraction surface.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a lighting module for a vehicular mirror and more particularly to an optic device for a lighting module.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an optic device for a vehicle indicator light is disclosed. The device comprises a receiving surface configured to receive an input emission from a light source in an emission direction and a first internal reflective surface extending at an acute angle from the light receiving surface. The first internal reflective surface is configured to direct the input emission substantially perpendicular to the emission direction. The device further comprises an intermediate surface extending from the first internal reflective surface. The intermediate surface is configured to receive the input emission from the receiving surface and the first internal reflective surface, and direct the input emission along a primary path through the body.

The device further comprises a light extraction surface extending substantially parallel to the receiving surface. The light extraction surface is configured to emit the input emission outward from the body along the primary path. A light steering surface extends from the intermediate surface substantially parallel to the light extraction surface. The light steering surface is configured to reflect stray light through the body beyond the primary light extraction surface and toward a light trap. The light trap is configured to capture the stray light.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting module for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting module comprises a light source configured to generate a light emission in an emission direction substantially along a forward operating direction of the vehicle. A circuit is in connection with the light source. The lighting module further comprises an optic device comprising a body forming a receiving surface. The receiving surface is configured to receive an input emission of the light emission. The optic device is configured to transmit the input emission through the body, emit a first portion of the input emission along a primary path directed toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and emit a second portion of the input emission along a stray light path into a light trap formed by the body and arranged substantially opposite the light extraction surface.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting module for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting module is configured to be disposed in an exterior mirror. The lighting module comprises a light source configured to generate a light emission along a forward operating direction of the vehicle and a circuit in connection with the light source. The lighting module further comprises an optic device comprising a body forming a receiving surface. The receiving surface is configured to receive an input emission of the light emission.

The optic device is configured to transmit the input emission through the body, emit a first portion of the input emission along a primary path directed toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and emit a second portion of the input emission along a stray light path into a light trap formed by the body and arranged substantially opposite the light extraction surface. The lighting module further comprises a housing forming a cavity configured to receive the optic device, the circuit, and the light source. The housing is configured to receive the stray light from the light trap in the cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1demonstrates an elevational view of a vehicle10comprising a lighting module12configured to illuminate an indicia14.FIG. 2demonstrates a side view of an exterior mirror assembly16of the vehicle10. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the lighting module12of the mirror assembly16is configured to illuminate the indicia14such that a primary emission18of light is directed from a front surface20of a mirror element22toward an operator or passenger of the vehicle10. The mirror element22may correspond to a reflective mirror element that may be manufactured of mirrored glass having a fixed reflectance. In some embodiments, the mirror element22may correspond to an electrochromic (EC) element configured to vary a reflectance of the mirror element22. The indicia14may correspond to an at least partially light emissive portion that may be ablated, cut and/or etched into the mirror element22such that light may be emitted there through.

As demonstrated inFIG. 1, the primary emission18is shown as an arrow extending from the indicia14disposed on a driver-side mirror assembly24toward a passenger seat or driver seat of the vehicle10. In this configuration, the primary emission18may be selectively activated by the lighting module12to direct a visual notification to an operator or passenger of the vehicle10through a window26of the vehicle10. The visual notification emitted from the indicia14may serve to alert the operator or occupant of the vehicle10of an approaching or trailing vehicle28. Though the lighting module12is discussed in reference to the driver-side mirror assembly24, the lighting module12may be applied in a passenger-mirror assembly30or various other mirror assemblies or display assemblies utilized in vehicles. For example, the lighting module12may be implemented in a video display system configured to display information to the operator of the vehicle10.

In some mirror assemblies, a secondary emission32may also be emitted from the indicia14. The secondary emission32may correspond to light that is not directed toward the operator or passenger of the vehicle10or stray light34. In general, the stray light34may correspond to light that is emitted from the indicia14along various secondary paths, which may correspond to uncontrolled paths or stray paths of light. The stray light34may generally be directed away from the vehicle10or parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle10and may not be projected toward the window26. The stray light34may be visible to the approaching or trailing vehicle28, which may be undesirable. The lighting module12disclosed herein may comprise an optic device configured to prevent or reduce the stray light34. The secondary emission32is shown inFIG. 1for illustrative purposes and may not be associated with or produced by the lighting module12as discussed herein.

The indicia14of the mirror assembly16may correspond to various forms of icons, graphics, and/or indicators. The lighting module12may be configured to illuminate the indicia14in response to various signals, some of which may correspond to detection indications and/or driver alerts. The indicia14may be utilized for various functions such as indications and driver assist functions and may be illuminated by the lighting module12to provide for such functions. Driver assist functions may include, but are not limited to turn signal indications, blind spot detection, obstacle detection, lane departure warning (LDW) or the like.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a partial assembly view of the exterior mirror assembly16is shown. As demonstrated, the mirror element22is shown as a dashed line secured to a carrier plate40. The carrier plate40may be positioned behind the mirror element22on a back surface42directed substantially toward a forward portion of the vehicle10. As discussed previously, the mirror element22may correspond to an electrochromic (EC) element configured to vary a reflectance of the mirror element22. Additionally, the mirror element22may comprise a heating element that may be utilized for melting ice and/or evaporating condensation or other fluids from the front surface20of the mirror element22. The EC element and the heating element may be in communication with a controller via a first wiring harness46, which is shown connecting to the mirror element22via conductive clips48. In this configuration, the controller may control the reflectance of the mirror element22and the heating element to provide useful functions for the mirror assembly16.

FIG. 3further demonstrates the lighting module12disposed on the back surface42of the mirror element22. The lighting module12comprises an optic device50and may be in communication with the controller via a control circuit52and a second wiring harness54. The control circuit52may correspond to a printed circuit board (PCB) or various other forms of circuits or control boards. The control circuit52may be configured to communicate one or more signals from the controller to control a light source56disposed on the control circuit52. The light source56may correspond to one or more light emitting sources56a,56b, and56cconfigured to output an emission of light. The light emitting sources56a,56b, and56cmay correspond to light emitting diodes (LEDs) or any other form of the light source56.

The emission of light may be directed into a receiving portion58of the optic device50, which may correspond to a collimating surface A. In this configuration, the emission of light may be received by the optic device50and directed through the optic device50to form the primary emission18. Additionally, the optic device50may be configured to capture the stray light34that may otherwise be emitted from the indicia14of the mirror element22. In this way, the optic device50may be configured to absorb the secondary emission32preventing the stray light34from distracting an operator of a trailing vehicle28while providing the operator of the vehicle10with a visual notification.

In some embodiments, the controller may correspond to one or more circuits configured to control the EC element, the heating element, and/or the lighting module12via the wiring harnesses46and54. In some embodiments, the controller may correspond to a plurality of control devices each configured to communicate signals via the wiring harnesses42and50to control the elements discussed herein. Control signals configured to control the lighting module12, and the EC element may be received by one or more sensors or systems in communication with the controller. Further details regarding the controller and various sensors and/or systems in communication therewith are discussed in detail in reference toFIG. 6.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the optic device50along section line IV-IV is shown demonstrating a primary path60and at least one stray path62of an input emission64received from the light source56. The control circuit52and the light source56are shown as broken lines for clarity. The primary path60of the light transmitted through a body66of the optic device50may correspond to light that is output from a primary light extraction surface F to form the primary emission18. The at least one stray path62may demonstrate light that is captured by a secondary light extraction surface H. The light captured by the secondary light extraction surface H may correspond to light that may otherwise be output from the primary light extraction surface F as the stray light34or the secondary emission32discussed in reference toFIG. 1. By absorbing or redirecting the stray light34, the optic device50may provide for the primary emission18to be directed toward the operator of the vehicle10while the stray light34is prevented from being emitted toward the trailing vehicle28.

The optic device50may be of various forms of at least partially light-transmissive materials. In some embodiments, the optic device50may be molded or formed of an optical grade polymeric material. The optic device50may comprise various surfaces configured to provide for the receipt of the input emission64, the output of the primary emission18, and the redirection of the stray light34. In an exemplary embodiment, the surfaces comprise the following: the collimating surface A, a first total internal reflective (TIR) surface B, a fluted surface C, an offset surface D, a light steering surface E, the primary light extraction surface F, a second TIR surface G, and the secondary light extraction surface H. Each of the surfaces A-H and the relationships among the surfaces are now discussed to demonstrate some of the novel features providing for the functionality described herein.

The collimating surface A may correspond to the receiving portion58of the optic device50configured to receive the input emission64. The collimating surface A may form a rotationally symmetric surface (e.g. spherical, aspheric, etc.) configured to receive the input emission64. In an exemplary embodiment, the collimating surface A may be substantially cylindrical in shape having a length formed perpendicular to the cross-section shown inFIG. 4. The collimating surface A may be configured to receive the input emission64and substantially direct the light along the primary path60.

Adjacent to the collimating surface A, the first TIR surface B extends forming an included angle AB. The included angle AB may range from approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. In some embodiments, angle AB may be approximately 45 degrees. The first TIR surface may be configured to direct light toward the fluted surface C such that the light is significantly directed along the primary path60. The term TIR as described herein may refer to a surface configured to propagate light back into the body66from a surface, in this case the first TIR surface B. A TIR surface may be configured to have a greater refractive index than its environment such that the light is maintained in the body66.

The fluted surface C may comprise fluted optics68. The fluted optics68may be selected to provide a vertical spread relative to the vehicle10. The fluted optics68may also be swept on a radius to provide a horizontal spread of the light along the primary path60. A length of the fluted surface C may be dependent on the relative proportions of the indicia14. As previously discussed, the indicia14may correspond to the light transmissive portion which may be etched or ablated into the mirror element22. The length of the fluted surface C may vary from approximately 4 mm to 8 mm depending on the application. The fluted surface C may form an arc70having a radius ranging from approximately 15 mm to 35 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the radius of the arc70may be approximately 24 mm.

The optic device50may also comprise the offset surface D. The offset surface D is offset relative to the primary light extraction surface F and is disposed between the primary light extraction surface F and the collimating surface A. The offset surface D may be configured such that the primary light extraction surface F may pass into an aperture72formed in the control circuit52(e.g. the PCB). In this configuration, the lighting module12may be configured to avoid light from the input emission64directly passing from the light source56outward through the indicia14. A length of the offset surface may range from approximately 0 mm to 5 mm or more. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the offset is approximately 4 mm.

The light steering surface E extends along a back surface of the optic device50from the fluted surface C toward the secondary light extraction surface H. The light steering surface E may correspond to an additional TIR surface or a light pipe tapper. In this configuration, the light steering surface E may function as a TIR surface to steer light that may not be extracted from surface F as the primary emission18. For example, the light steering surface E may direct at least a portion of the stray light34toward the second TIR surface G and the secondary light extraction surface H. By directing the stray light34toward the secondary light extraction surface H, the light steering surface E may prevent the stray light34from being emitted away from the vehicle10as the secondary emission32. In this way, the stray light34may be attenuated from being directed toward the trailing vehicle28.

The light steering surface E may form an angle74relative the primary light extension surface F that may range from approximately 0 degrees to 20 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle74may be approximately 10 degrees (e.g. 10.25 degrees). The angle74may be adjusted to decrease a likelihood that light may be reflected back toward the trailing vehicle28. Additionally, the angle74may be adjusted to assist or steer the stray light34toward a light trap76. The light trap76may be formed by a protrusion78terminating at the secondary light extraction surface H. In this way, the stray light34may be captured such that the secondary emission32is diminished.

The primary light extrusion surface F extends along a front surface of the optic device50. In operation, the primary light extrusion surface F may be configured to receive the light from the fluted surface C and output the light as the primary emission18. The primary light extrusion surface F may be substantially free of optics that may be configured to control a distribution of the primary emission18. For example, the front surface formed by the primary light extrusion surface F may be free of pillow optics or texture, which may reduce scattering of the primary emission18. By avoiding scattering, the secondary emission32in the form of stray light34may be reduced.

As discussed herein, the light trap76may be formed by the protrusion78extending from the second TIR surface G. The second TIR surface G may form a curved TIR surface having a radius80. The curved surface of the second TIR surface G may form at least a part of a distal end portion81relative the receiving portion58leading to the light trap76. The second TIR surface G may be configured to capture the stray light34that may be substantially reflected or transmitted from the light steering surface E. In this configuration, the second TIR surface G may be configured to steer the stray light34along the radius80and deliver the light to the protrusion78and the secondary light extraction surface H. The radius80of the second TIR surface G may range from approximately 3 mm to 20 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the radius80may be approximately 6 mm to 7 mm (e.g. 6.7 mm).

The protrusion78may extend from the second TIR surface G and the light steering surface E to form a portion of the light trap76and terminate at the secondary extraction surface H. The stray light34transmitted through the body66may be substantially gathered and funneled toward the light trap76as a function of the geometry of each of the surfaces A-H, and more immediately based on the relationship between the second TIR surface G and the light steering surface E. As demonstrated, the secondary extraction surface H is configured to provide an alternate path for the stray light34to escape the body66. A surface formed by the protrusion78and the secondary extraction surface H may be textured to allow light to scatter outward from the light trap76. In this way, stray light34is emitted outward through the light trap76from the body66.

The stray light34emitted from the body66may be emitted into a pocket82formed by a cover84. The cover84may be configured to substantially enclose the optic device50and capture the stray light34such that the light is prevented from reflecting throughout the mirror assembly16. In some embodiments, the cover84may comprise a plurality of baffles86configured to trap the light escaping from the surfaces proximate the back of the optic device50. Such surfaces may comprise the fluted surface C, the light steering surface E, and the secondary extraction surface H.

Referring now toFIG. 5a cross-sectional view of the optic device50along section line IV-IV is shown demonstrating a simulation of the stray light34transmitted through the optic device50. The light transmitted along the primary path60is hidden inFIG. 5to clearly demonstrate the path of the stray light34from the collimating surface A to the secondary extraction surface H. As shown, the stray light34is demonstrated as a plurality of rays90transmitted through the body66. The simulation demonstrates that a substantial portion of the rays90corresponding to the stray light34are transmitted into the light trap76. In this configuration, the optic device50is demonstrated to provide for a significant reduction in the secondary emission32.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a block diagram of the controller100for the lighting module12is shown. The controller may be in communication with the EC element102and the heating element104of the mirror element22via the wiring harnesses46and54. The controller80may be in communication with a vehicle control module106via a communication bus108of the vehicle10. The communication bus108may be configured to deliver signals to the controller100identifying various states of the vehicle10. For example, the communication bus108may be configured to communicate an operating condition of the vehicle10(e.g., an ambient light level, a driver assist signal, a blind spot detection, a turn indicator signal, lane departure warning, etc.). In this way, the controller100may selectively activate the lighting module12in response to one or more conditions communicated by the vehicle control module106.

The controller100may include a processor110comprising one or more circuits configured to receive the signals from the communication bus108and output signals to control the lighting module12discussed herein. The processor110may be in communication with a memory112configured to store instructions to control the activation of the light source56. The processor100may receive various signals and/or messages corresponding to vehicle conditions via the communication bus108and various sensors in communication with the controller100. For example, the controller may be in communication with at least one sensor114, for example a blind spot monitor, a collision avoidance sensor, a glare light sensor, or any form of sensor. The sensor114may correspond to a sensor for a driver assist system. The blind spot sensor may correspond to a variety of sensors, for example a laser sensor, sonar based sensor, ultrasonic sensor, a video or image based sensor, or any form of sensor that may provide a driver assist function.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a side assembly view demonstrating a lighting assembly120incorporating the lighting module10is shown. As demonstrated inFIG. 7, the lighting assembly120may comprise the cover84forming a housing122configured to receive the optic device50and the control circuit52. The housing122may further form a connection interface124configured to couple a connector126of the control circuit52to the second wiring harness54. In this configuration, the housing122may be configured to at least partially enclose the optic device50and the control circuit52while also providing for the connection interface124.

Referring now toFIG. 8a side cross-sectional view of the lighting assembly120along section line VIII-VIII is shown. The cross-sectional view demonstrated inFIG. 8shows the optic device52in a similar arrangement to that shown inFIG. 4. The housing122comprises an interior surface128forming the pocket82. Extending from the interior surface128, the housing122may form at least one support structure130. The at least one support structure130may form a proximal end portion130aextending from the interior surface128toward a distal end portion130b. The at least one support structure130may be configured to abut the optic device52. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one support structure130may be configured to contact the light steering surface E.

The housing may further be configured to receive the control circuit52. In this configuration, the control circuit52may correspond to a printed circuit board forming a profile shape132. The housing122may be configured to receive the profile shape132of the control circuit52. In some embodiments, the housing122may form a receiving cavity134configured to complement the profile shape132of the control circuit52. In this configuration, the receiving cavity134may form a gap with the profile shape132of the control circuit52when positioned in an assembled configuration.

The control circuit52may be mounted to a faceplate136. The faceplate136may be configured to connect to the control circuit52and the optic device50via at least one connecting interface138. The connecting interface138may correspond to one or more apertures that may be configured to receive connectors (e.g. mounting screws, etc.). Further details regarding an exemplary configuration of the housing122, the faceplate136, the control circuit52, and the optic device50are discussed in reference toFIG. 11. In this configuration, the faceplate136, the control circuit52, and the optic device50may form a subassembly140of the lighting module10.

Referring now toFIGS. 8 and 9, the faceplate136may form an engaging profile142that may significantly align with at least a portion of the profile shape132. The engaging profile142may form an engaging surface144configured to engage or come in contact with a receiving ledge146. The receiving ledge146may be defined by an opening of the pocket82formed by the housing122. The receiving ledge146may extend outward between the interior surface128of the housing122and a rim portion148. The receiving ledge146and the rim portion148may form a receiving profile150configured to receive and substantially align the engaging profile142.

The engaging profile142and the engaging surface144may form an interlocking connection configuration152with the receiving ledge146and the rim portion148. In this configuration, leakage light emitted from the light emitting devices56may be retained within the pocket84. The leakage light may correspond to any light that is emitted from the light emitting devices56that is not transmitted into the receiving portion58. Additionally, the leakage light may correspond to light received by the light trap76that is reflected outward into the pocket82. The interlocking connection configuration152may form an at least partially overlapping interface between the faceplate136and the housing122configured to prevent the leakage light from escaping along the engaging profile142.

Additionally, the receiving ledge146may form an engaging protrusion154extending substantially along the receiving profile150. The engaging protrusion154may be configured to connect or contact the faceplate136to further prevent the leakage light from escaping along a perimeter156of the faceplate136. As disclosed herein, the lighting assembly120may provide for a robust and cost-effective lighting device to provide for the functionality discussed herein.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a projected view of the lighting assembly120is shown. As demonstrated, the faceplate136comprises an outer surface158demonstrating at least one raised portion160corresponding to the one or more apertures of the connecting interface138. Additionally, receiving profile150of the housing122is demonstrated extending along and in complement to the engaging profile142of the faceplate136. In this configuration, the interlocking connection configuration152of the faceplate136and the housing122may prevent the escape of the leakage light from inside the pocket82formed by the housing122.

Referring now toFIG. 11, an exploded view of the lighting assembly120shown inFIG. 10is demonstrated. The exploded view may demonstrate the various components of the subassembly140. As demonstrated inFIG. 12, the relationship of the control circuit52and the light emitting sources56to the faceplate136, the optic device50, and the connector126is more clearly visible. The control circuit52, the faceplate136, and the optic device50may be connected via the connecting interface138to form the subassembly140. Additionally, the housing122may form the pocket82configured to receive the subassembly140. As disclosed herein, the lighting assembly120may provide for the light to be emitted outward from the optic device50along the primary path60while limiting leakage light from escaping the pocket82.

Referring now toFIG. 12, a projected view of an optic device170is shown. The optic device170may be similar to the optic device50having similar elements like-numbered for clarity. The optic device170is shown in reference to the light emitting sources56a,56b, and56cof the light source56and the connecting interface138configured to connect the optic device170to the control circuit52. Similar to the optic device50, optic device170may form a receiving portion58configured to receive the input emission64from the light source56. In this configuration, the optic device170may be configured to form the primary emission18to illuminate the indicia14of the mirror element22. The optic device170may further be configured to capture the stray light via a light trap176. In this way, the optic device170may be configured to prevent the stray light from distracting an operator of the trailing vehicle28while providing the operator of the vehicle10with a visual notification.

Referring now toFIGS. 12 and 13, various aspects of an exemplary embodiment of the optic device170are discussed in further detail. Though particular features are discussed in reference to the exemplary embodiment shown, it shall be understood that the various properties and features of the optic devices50and170may be combined or varied without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the optic device170may comprise a body portion configured to transmit light and forming various surfaces. The surfaces may be configured to provide for the receipt of the input emission64, the emission of the light along the primary path60and the extraction of the stray light along the stray path62. In an exemplary embodiment, the optic device170may form the following surfaces: a collimating surface A′, a first total internal reflective (TIR) surface B′, a fluted surface C′, an offset surface D′, a light steering surface E′, the primary light extraction surface F′, a second TIR surface G′, and the secondary light extraction surface H′. Each of the surfaces A′-H′ and the relationships among the surfaces are now discussed to demonstrate some of the novel features providing for the functionality described herein.

The collimating surface A′ may correspond to the receiving portion58or a receiving surface of the optic device170configured to receive the input emission64. The collimating surface A′ may form radial contour in the form of a rotationally symmetric surface (e.g. spherical, aspheric, etc.) configured to receive the input emission64. The input emission64may be received from the light source56in an emission direction65demonstrated by the arrow extending from the collimating surface A′ or the light receiving surface shown inFIG. 13. The emission direction65may be directed in a substantially forward direction substantially aligned relative to a forward operation of the vehicle10. In an exemplary embodiment, the collimating surface A′ may be substantially cylindrical in shape having a length formed perpendicular to the cross-section shown inFIG. 12. The collimating surface A′ may be configured to receive the input emission64and substantially direct the light along the primary path60.

As described herein, the term substantially may be utilized to describe the relationship among a variety of elements related to the optic devices70and170as well as various components of the lighting module as discussed herein. The term, “substantially,” may provide for a degree of variation as discussed in reference to various relationships (e.g. geometric, positional, etc.). For example, as demonstratedFIG. 1, the mirror element22of the exterior mirror assembly16is arranged substantially perpendicular to a forward operating direction of the vehicle10. The mirror element22may vary in orientation by 5-10 degrees or even more depending on the specific embodiment and desired direction of the primary emission18and reflected light from the mirror element22. Accordingly, the mirror element22may be adjusted to accommodate a variety of relative positions of an operator of the vehicle10while remaining substantially perpendicular to the forward operating direction of the vehicle10. Accordingly, the term substantially is utilized herein to clearly describe various relationships among elements discussed without limiting such relationships to an extent that could limit operation of the devices and elements disclosed.

Adjacent to the collimating surface A′, the first TIR surface B′ or a first internal reflective surface extends forming an included angle A′B′. The included angle A′B′ may correspond to an acute angle and range from approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. In some embodiments, angle A′B′ may be approximately 45 degrees. The first TIR surface B′ may be configured to direct light toward the fluted surface C′ substantially perpendicular to the direction of the input emission64. In this way, the input emission64is significantly directed along the primary path60from the first TIR surface B′ and the fluted surface C′. The term TIR as described herein may refer to a surface configured to propagate light back into the body66from a surface, in this case the first TIR surface B′. A TIR surface may be configured to have a greater refractive index than its environment such that the light is maintained in a body180of the optic device170.

The fluted surface C′ may be described as an intermediate or transition surface and may comprise fluted optics178. The fluted optics178may be selected to provide a vertical spread relative to the vehicle10. The fluted optics178may also be swept on a radius to provide a horizontal spread of the light along the primary path60. A length of the fluted surface C′ may be dependent on the relative proportions of the indicia14. As previously discussed, the indicia14may correspond to the light transmissive portion, which may be etched or ablated into the mirror element22. The length of the fluted surface C′ may vary from approximately 4 mm to 8 mm depending on the application. The fluted surface C′ may form an arc179having a radius ranging from approximately 10 mm to 40 mm.

The optic device170may also comprise the offset surface D′. The offset surface D′ may be extend substantially perpendicular to the primary light extraction surface F′ and is disposed between the primary light extraction surface F′ and the collimating surface A′. A length of the offset surface D′ may range from approximately 0 mm to 5 mm or more. The offset surface D′ may provide for the primary light extraction surface F′ to substantially align with a mounting surface182of the light source56and may form a gap between the light extraction surface F′ and the collimating surface A′ or light receiving surface. The gap may be configured to accommodate the light source56extending from the mounting surface. The mounting surface182may correspond to a surface of the control circuit52configured to conductively connect to the light source56.

The light steering surface E′ may correspond to a compound surface184comprising a main portion186and an intermediate portion188. The main portion186may correspond to a surface aligned substantially parallel to the primary light extraction surface F′. The intermediate portion188may correspond to an angled portion extending from the main portion186to the fluted surface C′. In this configuration, the main portion186may be configured to limit a reflection of light from external sources from reflecting from the light steering surface E′ toward an operator of the vehicle. Additionally, the light steering surface E′ may be configured to direct at least a portion of the stray light toward the second TIR surface G′ and the secondary light extraction surface H′. For example, the light steering surface E′ may be configured to reflect the stray light along the stray path62through the body of the optic device170beyond a distal extent of the primary light extraction surface F′ relative to the receiving surface A′ and toward the light trap176.

The intermediate portion188may provide for a smooth transition between the light steering surface E and the fluted surface C′. The intermediate portion may form an angle190relative the primary light extension surface F that may range from approximately 0 degrees to 30 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the intermediate portion188comprises a curved transition192and an angled portion194. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled portion194may be angled approximately 20 degrees relative the primary light extraction surface F′. In such an embodiment, the combination of the curved transition192and an angled portion194may provide for the angle190of the intermediate portion to effectively be approximately 16 degrees. The proportions and angles of the main portion186and the intermediate portion188may be adjusted based on the particular application of the lighting assembly120.

The primary light extrusion surface F′ extends along a front surface of the optic device170. In operation, the primary light extrusion surface F′ may be configured to receive the light from the fluted surface C′ and output the light along the primary path60. The primary light extrusion surface F′ may be substantially free of optics that may be configured to control a distribution of the primary emission. For example, the front surface formed by the primary light extrusion surface F′ may be free of pillow optics or texture, which may reduce scattering of the primary emission.

The optic device170may further comprise the light trap176. The light trap may be formed by a protrusion198extending from the second TIR surface G′ and the light steering surface E′. The second TIR surface G′ may form complex curved surface which may correspond to a splined curve200. The splined curve200may comprise a plurality of radii. For example, the plurality of radii may correspond to a first radius202and a second radius204. Each of the first radius202and the second radius204may form a portion of the second TIR surface G′ extending from a proximal end portion206at the primary extraction surface F′ to a distal end portion208at the light trap176. The second TIR surface G may be configured to capture the stray light34that may be substantially reflected or transmitted from the light steering surface E to the light trap176.

Each of the first radius202and the second radius204may have radii ranging from approximately 3 mm to 20 mm. The first radius202may be proximate the primary extraction surface F′ and the second radius204may be proximate the light trap176. In an exemplary embodiment, the first radius202may be different than the second radius204. In this way, the optic device170may provide for a smooth transition between the primary light extraction surface F′ and the light trap176.

The protrusion198may extend from the second TIR surface G′ and the light steering surface E′ to form a portion of the light trap176and terminate at the secondary extraction surface H′. The stray light transmitted through the body180may be substantially gathered and funneled toward the light trap176as a function of the geometry of each of the surfaces A′-H′. In an exemplary embodiment, the light extraction surface H′ may form a light extraction angle210and a light extraction feature212. In this configuration, the light trap may provide for extraction of the stray light transmitted through the body180.

The light extraction angle210may form an angle ranging from approximately 5 degrees to 25 degrees relative the primary light extraction surface F′. In an exemplary embodiment, the light extraction angle210may be approximately 10 to 20 degrees and in some embodiments may be approximately 15 degrees. The light extraction feature212may correspond to one or more shapes, which may be formed in a distal end portion214of the protrusion198. The light extraction feature212may correspond to one or more teeth, prisms, optical flutes, etc. The light extraction feature212may be configured to limit the reflection of the stray light within the light trap176by extracting light proximate the distal end portion214.