Abstract: A system for providing interchangeable approach lamps for use with an external rear view assembly mounted to a motor vehicle includes a first approach lamp module and a second approach lamp module. the second approach lamp module differs from the first approach lamp module by being a projecting or logo approach lamp module due to its projection assembly for projecting a logo or a mask.

Abstract: A multifunction lamp unit for a vehicle includes a housing, at least one light pipe together with at least one light source disposed at least partially within the housing, and a clear lens substantially enclosing the housing, the at least one light pipe and the at least one light source, the lens having an inner surface, an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface and at least one of a continuous transparent and translucent coating on the outer surface.

Abstract: A medium distributing assembly for a vehicle design element includes a medium guide including at least one medium receiving element; and at least one medium exit element, where the medium exit element has at least partly an annular form.

Abstract: A vehicle part includes an injection molded main body having a front side and a rear side with a three dimensional form on the rear side, a metallized coating on one or more portions of the three dimensional form on the rear side of the injection molded main body, and a backing layer overmolded on the rear side of the injection molded main body, the three dimensional form, and the metallized coating.

Abstract: A light assembly for a vehicle design element includes a light guide, the light guide including a plurality of light receiving surfaces; and a plurality of light sources, the light sources being arranged adjacent to and directed towards respective light receiving surfaces, where the light guide is shaped to define an annular base lying in a first plane and at least one circumferential flange or cylinder disposed generally orthogonal, or inwardly or outwardly splayed to the first plane, the flange or cylinder extending away from the annular base towards a viewable annular light exit, the base including a plurality of shaped elements extending away from the first plane, each shaped element defining one of the light receiving surfaces for receiving incident light from a respective adjacent light source, where a plurality of the light receiving surfaces are orientated substantially transverse to the base.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a reflector having a proximal end and a distal end. The reflector has a surface having a plurality of reflective faces spread over an arc therebetween, the arc being generally concave. The reflector forms part of a recess, the recess having spaced-apart parallel walls. A light emitting diode (LED) light source is disposed near the proximal end of the reflector and remote from the distal end of the reflector and the light source is oriented to emit light onto the reflective faces. A lens is positioned in front of the reflector. The lens is arranged to receive light from the reflector. In use, light is output from the lens with a substantially uniform luminance over a viewing angle of at least 45 degrees in a plane.

Abstract: A logo lamp device includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back, a cap covering the top of the housing or preferably an encapsulant, one or more clips formed integrally with or attached to the housing, a connector receiving portion including an opening formed at the back of the housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) fully enclosed within the housing, a light source connected to the PCB and enclosed within the housing, and an optical assembly including at least one optical element for receiving light projected by the light source.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, an outer lens partially covering the housing to define an enclosure between the housing and lens, a light emitting diode (LED) light source arranged in the enclosure, and a light guide forming part of the housing. The light guide may include a light receiving surface within the enclosure and a light emitting surface outside the enclosure so that light emitted from the LED light source is received by the light receiving surface of the light guide and directed toward the light emitting surface of the light guide and light is output from the light guide.

Abstract: An exterior rearview system for an autonomous vehicle includes a housing adapted for mounting to an exterior side of a vehicle, the housing holding at least one of a reflective element or display screen for displaying to a driver a rear or side image of the vehicle, one or more lighting modules disposed in the housing and providing an adaptive lighting sector which is adaptively controlled, and a control system configured to receive input data related to at least one of a user's intention using a tracking sensor and a user's retaking control of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for illuminating a ground area adjacent a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing; an outer lens covering the housing; a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light sources arranged in the housing; and a reflector mounted in the housing. The light emitted from the plurality of LED light sources is captured by the reflector which reflects light towards the lens, the lens directing light generally downward towards the ground area. The light output from the lamp assembly appears to be emitted from a single light source.

Abstract: An elongate automotive illumination assembly includes an elongate housing; at least one light source; an elongate lens having an apex region and a pair of spaced-apart blade portions. The spaced-apart blade portions extend away from the apex region to define a generally V-shaped cross-section with the apex region including an elongate light emitting surface. The blade portions connect to the elongate housing to define an enclosure. An elongate light guide guides light from the at least one light source to the elongate light emitting surface. The elongate light guide includes a body extending away from the light source(s) towards the elongate light emitting surface. The light guide is housed within the enclosure and between the blades of the lens such that the light emitting surface of the light guide is adjacent to the light emitting surface of the lens.

Abstract: An adaptive cornering light system for a motor vehicle includes an exterior mirror head, housing at least one lighting module that having a plurality of LEDs arranged in sectors to provide different lighting functionalities. One LED or light sector is provided for adaptively illuminating a cornering area that extends along the side of the vehicle toward the front of the exterior mirror head. This “cornering LED” is adaptively activated if the speed of the vehicle is below a threshold speed, or in response to additional optional parameters such as steering angle, turn-signal blinker activation, and running lights activation. Another LED or light sector may be used as a security light to illuminate or display a message on the ground in the door area adjacent the side of the vehicle. Interior lights are also disclosed. User input may also control options for illumination.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a reflector having a proximal end and a distal end. The reflector has a surface having a plurality of reflective faces spread over an arc therebetween, the arc being generally concave. The reflector forms part of a recess, the recess having spaced-apart parallel walls. A light emitting diode (LED) light source is disposed near the proximal end of the reflector and remote from the distal end of the reflector and the light source is oriented to emit light onto the reflective faces. A lens is positioned in front of the reflector. The lens is arranged to receive light from the reflector. In use, light is output from the lens with a substantially uniform luminance over a viewing angle of at least 45 degrees in a plane.

Abstract: A light assembly for a vehicle design element includes a light guide, the light guide including a plurality of light receiving surfaces; and a plurality of light sources, the light sources being arranged adjacent to and directed towards respective light receiving surfaces, where the light guide is shaped to define an annular base lying in a first plane and at least one circumferential flange or cylinder disposed generally orthogonal, or inwardly or outwardly splayed to the first plane, the flange or cylinder extending away from the annular base towards a viewable annular light exit, the base including a plurality of shaped elements extending away from the first plane, each shaped element defining one of the light receiving surfaces for receiving incident light from a respective adjacent light source, where a plurality of the light receiving surfaces are orientated substantially transverse to the base.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a vehicle external rear view mirror assembly is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base frame portion and a case frame portion mounted to the base frame portion for rotation about a pivot axis. A detent is operable between the base frame portion and the case frame portion. A spring mechanism clamps the case frame portion to the base frame portion and includes a compression spring disposed around the axis and a spring tie. The spring has first and second tie ends spaced apart from each other and connected by a tie shaft. The tie shaft passes through the spring. The spring tie shaft includes a spring tie reaction feature, whereby in a deployed position, a torque applied to the case frame portion about an axis orthogonal to the axis by an external force is resisted by the spring tie reaction feature.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for illuminating a ground area adjacent a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing; an outer lens covering the housing; a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light sources arranged in the housing; and a reflector mounted in the housing. The light emitted from the plurality of LED light sources is captured by the reflector which reflects light towards the lens, the lens directing light generally downward towards the ground area. The light output from the lamp assembly appears to be emitted from a single light source.

Abstract: An elongate automotive illumination assembly includes an elongate housing; at least one light source; an elongate lens having an apex region and a pair of spaced-apart blade portions. The spaced-apart blade portions extend away from the apex region to define a generally V-shaped cross-section with the apex region including an elongate light emitting surface. The blade portions connect to the elongate housing to define an enclosure. An elongate light guide guides light from the at least one light source to the elongate light emitting surface. The elongate light guide includes a body extending away from the light source(s) towards the elongate light emitting surface. The light guide is housed within the enclosure and between the blades of the lens such that the light emitting surface of the light guide is adjacent to the light emitting surface of the lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric substrate being coated with a reflective coating, particularly a chromium-based reflective coating.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a vehicle external rear view mirror assembly is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base frame portion and a case frame portion mounted to the base frame portion for rotation about a pivot axis. A detent is operable between the base frame portion and the case frame portion. A spring mechanism clamps the case frame portion to the base frame portion and includes a compression spring disposed around the axis and a spring tie. The spring has first and second tie ends spaced apart from each other and connected by a tie shaft. The tie shaft passes through the spring. The spring tie shaft includes a spring tie reaction feature, whereby in a deployed position, a torque applied to the case frame portion about an axis orthogonal to the axis by an external force is resisted by the spring tie reaction feature.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a vehicle external rear view mirror assembly is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base frame portion and a case frame portion mounted to the base frame portion for rotation about a pivot axis. A detent operable between the base frame portion and the case frame portion is provided. The detent has an engaged position and a disengaged position, the disengaged position allowing the rotation about the pivot axis. A spring mechanism clamps the case frame portion to the base frame portion and a first set of detent features to a second set of detent features. A support arm having an attachment end and a floating end is provided. An attachment end is fixed to, and is fixed against rotation with respect to the case frame portion, and the second set of detent features is fixed against rotation with respect to the base frame portion.