Adjustable Optical Arrangement for Motor Vehicle Laser Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting systems with laser light sources face challenges in achieving precise and sharp light distribution due to deviations and tolerances in optical components and their mounts, leading to suboptimal imaging of the light image onto the road.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable lighting device with a gear-connected first adjusting ring that allows axial displacement of the first optical component relative to a fixed second optical component, enabling precise alignment and focusing of the light image, facilitated by spring-loaded holders and threaded connections for easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If optical components are fixed in position during assembly, then manufacturing is simpler, but imaging precision deteriorates due to deviations and tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static fixed mounting of optical components into a dynamic adjustable system. The first optical component is mounted on a holder that can be axially adjusted relative to the attachment piece through rotation of the first adjusting ring, while the second optical component can also be independently adjusted. This dynamic adjustment capability allows compensation for assembly deviations and tolerances, thereby improving imaging precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical component mounting system into independently adjustable segments. Each optical component (first and second optical components) has its own adjusting ring and holder assembly, allowing individual adjustment of each component's axial position. This segmentation enables precise control over the relative positions of optical components, ensuring optimal imaging performance despite manufacturing variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical components are made adjustable to compensate for tolerances, then imaging quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simplified threaded connection system. The adjusting rings connect to holders through standard threaded connections, allowing axial displacement through simple rotation. This substitution of a potentially complex mechanical system with a straightforward screw-thread mechanism achieves the desired adjustment functionality while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces holders as intermediary components between the adjusting rings and the optical components. The holders mediate the adjustment process by providing a stable mounting interface for the optical components while being independently adjustable through the adjusting rings. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall adjustment mechanism by decoupling the adjustment function from the mounting function.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of optical components is implemented, then alignment precision improves, but adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the adjustment mechanism to be easily operable without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The adjusting rings can be directly rotated by hand to achieve axial displacement of the optical components, and the threaded connections provide self-locking capability to maintain the adjusted position. This self-service design enables quick and precise alignment while minimizing adjustment time.
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
Enables quick, precise, and easy focusing of the light image, allowing for sharp light distribution projection onto the road, suitable for various laser light module applications, including low and high beams, and accommodating assembly deviations.
Implementation Method 1
a first adjusting ring (10, 20) which can be rotated about the longitudinal axis and which is connected to an attachment (2, 12) via a gear connection which converts a rotation of the first adjusting ring (10, 20) relative to the attachment (2, 12) into an axial displacement
Implementation Method 2
a holder for the first optical component is held axially against the first adjusting ring by means of springing
Data Source
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AI summary
In an illuminating device (A), in particular for a motor vehicle, light emitted by an area light source (K) is projected as distributed light by an optical arrangement (E). The optical arrangement (E) comprises at least a first and a second optical component (L1, L2) axially one after the other, as seen along a longitudinal axis (x). In order to adjust the position thereof in the axial direction, an adjusting device (C) is provided for the optical components (L1, L2), said device having a first adjusting ring (G1), which can be rotated about the longitudinal axis (x) and is connected to an extension piece (J1) via a transmission connection, which converts rotation of the first adjusting ring (G1) in relation to the extension piece (J1) into axial displacement. A holder (H1) of the first optical component (L1), with the aid of a spring arrangement (I1), is retained axially in relation to the first adjusting ring (G1) and can be adjusted axially in relation to the extension piece (J1), whereas the second optical component (L2) is retained in a holder (H2) which is secured axially to the extension piece (J1), for example is integral therewith.