Since several years no other technology than LED (Light Emitting Diode) has more attraction for lighting innovations. After the introduction of this technology for CHMSL in the past decade today various LED lamps for several signal functions are already on the road. Meanwhile all exterior and interior lighting functions can be realized with semiconductor light. As LED technology is being introduced in more and more lighting functions, the basic conditions play a decisive role.
The semiconductor light sources stand out, thanks to their service freedom, space-saving integration possibilities and low power consumption. But a main deciding factor in favor of this technology, which is still extremely cost-intensive in comparison with conventional systems, is the possibility of realizing headlamp and rear combination lamp shapes and appearances which have never been possible before.
If the current market requirements regarding styling trends are considered, it can be seen that LED technology represents great potential in this field, thanks to the possibility of connecting the light sources to different optical systems. The realization of a wide range of photometric versions represents a breadth of variation which is already visible on the market with the first impressive products, but, even more important, will make differentiating features available for customers to a much greater extent in future.
This article attempts to analyze at first the process of decision for the implementation of LED technology for new lamp designs. A look at styling demands in the market and the demonstration of the possibilities to address these requests with LED features for optical and mechanical integration will follow. It concludes with a glance at the potential of LED technology for future applications.
Equally, new optical elements with changed shapes can be used. As a result, innovative light appearances can be realized with the lights both on and off, which demonstrate the use of the new semiconductor technology immediately and impressively.
The use of this addition to the market requires analysis of current styling trends in addition to sound knowledge of current LED technology. A summary of the most important trends currently to be found on the market is given below.