Hella FlatLight: LED Taillights Can Do More

Daytime running lights and continuous lighting strips at the front and rear, as well as animated light displays when the vehicle is locked and unlocked, have long become a playground for designers. With individually controlled LED modules, not only can adaptive headlights be designed with matrix function, but also features designed to differentiate brands and models from competitors.

Automotive supplier Hella is developing this technology under the name Digital FlatLight. The use of special glass and the connection of modules only five millimeters deep allows more room with light guides.

Individual clips can be turned on and off individually or dimmed under program control. This opens up new possibilities for the design of taillights, for example. Lettering or graphics can be implemented in this way, as well as instructions for communication between the vehicle and its surroundings, as well as various light signatures to distinguish between individual equipment alternatives for a series of models. While the base works with FlatLight technology, the top models can also stand out with SmartGlass surfaces.

New graphics for plastic surgery or via the app

Lighting technology also opens up new possibilities for facelifts. In the past, when reviewing a series, a hand was often given only to plastic parts such as fenders to avoid expensive tooling for new sheet metal parts. In the future, reprogramming the LEDs at the front and rear could also ensure the distinction between a facelift and a change in model year. Offering new light graphics to customers via an application or software update can also open up new business models for car manufacturers.

Doctor. Frank Huber, General Manager of Light at Hella explains: “With our Digital FlatLight technology, we are reaching a new level in signal illumination. By integrating a SmartGlass display, our FlatLight is now digital. Contrastingly equipped taillights can be controlled using fine detail Achieve a large number of customizable signatures and significantly expand the range of functions.”

conclusion

LED headlights with adaptive functions were just the start. Advanced technologies such as Hella’s FlatLight are intended to provide additional functionality and distinctive features, as well as for the car’s taillights.