Infrared Reflective Coatings for Automotive Bulb Shields

The subject of this paper is the thermal limitations of automotive headlamp bulb shields. Close proximity to high intensity halogen headlamp bulbs cause bulb shields to reach unacceptable temperatures. The new method of reducing bulb shield temperature presented here is the application of selectively reflective coatings to the bulb-facing surface of the bulb shield. Reduction in bulb shield temperature is shown to improve the mechanics and cosmetics of the component in certain instances.