Adaptive Headlight Beam Control via Segmented LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current headlight systems face limitations in providing simultaneous optimal road illumination and minimizing glare to other road users, as they often require mechanical switching mechanisms or multiple light source units, which increase cost and complexity, and can compromise reliability and pedestrian safety.
Innovation Solution
A light source system that generates independently controllable sets of light beams to illuminate a photoluminescent material, using semiconductor light emitting devices and optical control elements to adjust the position, size, and orientation of illumination spots, allowing for adaptive beam control without mechanical components and redundancy in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield is inserted into the light path to create a dipped beam, then glare to oncoming road users is reduced, but optical efficiency of the projector headlight is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source into multiple independently controllable LED elements arranged in an array. By selectively activating specific segments (LEDs) rather than using a shield to block light, the system creates the dipped beam pattern without blocking the optical path. This allows light to reach the road efficiently while still providing the required beam distribution pattern that minimizes glare.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the beam shaping function from the traditional shield-based approach and implements it through selective activation of individual LED elements. The control system extracts only the necessary light portions from the LED array to create the dipped beam pattern, eliminating the need for physical blocking elements that would reduce optical efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two headlights or a mechanical switching mechanism is provided to switch between dipped beam and driving beam, then optimal illumination for different driving conditions is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam pattern switching by electronically controlling the activation state of individual LED elements in the array. The system can dynamically transition between dipped beam, driving beam, and intermediate patterns by adjusting which LEDs are active, eliminating the need for mechanical switching mechanisms or multiple fixed headlights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal headlight system where a single LED array can perform multiple functions (dipped beam, driving beam, adaptive patterns) that traditionally required separate components. The control system enables this single structure to adapt to different driving conditions and regulatory requirements through electronic configuration rather than mechanical changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light source units are provided to create adaptive beam spot, then beam adaptability is improved, but headlight cost and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single light source into multiple independently controllable LED elements within an array. This segmentation allows the system to create adaptive beam patterns by selectively activating specific elements, achieving the functionality of multiple light sources while using a single integrated unit that reduces overall cost and volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical moving components are provided within the headlight unit to create adaptive beam spot, then beam adaptability is achieved, but reliability and cost reduction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving components with an electronically controlled LED array system. Instead of using motors, actuators, or moving mirrors to create adaptive beam patterns, the system uses electronic control to selectively activate different LED elements. This solid-state approach eliminates mechanical wear and failure points, significantly improving reliability while maintaining adaptive functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides flexible and reliable adaptive illumination patterns, enhancing road visibility and safety by allowing independent control of light distribution, reducing mechanical complexity, and ensuring continued functionality even if control mechanisms fail.
Implementation Method 1
A light source system which projects a beam spot distribution on the road by illuminating a photoluminescent material with a set of light beams
Implementation Method 2
A headlight which projects a beam spot distribution on the road by illuminating a photoluminescent material with a set of light beams, the position, size and shape of which is controllable
Data Source
AI summary
A light source system comprising projection optics, which are capable of producing a far-field image of a light source. The light source comprises a fluorescent medium that when illuminated by light from laser emitters of a first waveband emits light of a second or more wavebands of longer wavelength. The resulting light emission produces a colour perceived as white. The light source is illuminated by a plurality of laser emitters arranged to illuminate the light source in an array-like manner. Control of the output of one or more of the laser emitters results in a variation of the spatial emission distribution from the light source and hence a variation of the far-field beam spot distribution. Further, fine variation of the far-field beam spot distribution may be achieved by re-direction of the laser beams by separate control methods.