Alternating Partial Reflectors for Compact Headlight Light Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle headlight designs face restrictions in size and design due to the need for spatial and structural separation of reflector areas to achieve different light distributions, such as low and high beams, which limits the flexibility in generating varied light functions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a reflector composed of alternately arranged first and second partial reflection surfaces, allowing for the generation of multiple light functions using a single reflector and light sources, with improved cooling capabilities through a cover plate arrangement, and the option for additional partial reflection surfaces to enhance light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spatial and structural separation of reflector areas is used to achieve different light distributions, then different light functions (low beam, high beam) can be generated, but the size and design freedom of the lighting device are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector surface is segmented into multiple partial reflection surfaces (first, second, third, fourth partial reflection surfaces) that can be independently configured to generate different light distributions. Each partial surface can be optimized for specific lighting functions while sharing a common optical path, thereby achieving functional versatility without proportional increase in overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
A single reflector structure is designed to perform multiple lighting functions (low beam, high beam, cornering lights) simultaneously through its different partial reflection surfaces. The first and second light sources, in combination with the segmented reflector surfaces, create a multi-functional lighting system that eliminates the need for separate reflector assemblies for each function.
2Temperature
If light sources are arranged in front of the reflector, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the optical path and light distribution control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are positioned in front of the reflector rather than at its focal point, changing the spatial arrangement to enable heat dissipation in the direction away from the reflector. This dimensional repositioning allows for improved cooling while the segmented partial reflection surfaces compensate for the altered optical path to maintain precise light distribution control.
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 design enables a more flexible and compact lighting device capable of producing various light distributions without size restrictions, improving cooling efficiency and allowing for increased total reflection area, thus enhancing the performance and service life of the light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector (2) with a total reflection surface (2a) for reflecting light at least partially in the direction of an optical axis (x) of the reflector (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~3a
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising a reflector (2) with a total reflective surface (2a) for reflecting light at least partially in the direction of an optical axis (x) of the reflector, a first and a second light source (3', 3") for illuminating light onto the reflector (2), wherein the first and the second light source (3', 3") are spaced apart from each other at least in a direction normal to the optical axis (x) of the reflector (2), wherein the total reflective surface (2a) of the reflector (2) has a number of first partial reflective surfaces (2a') facing the first light source (3'), which are configured to image the light incident by the first light source (3') in the form of at least a first light distribution of a first light function, wherein the total reflective surface (2a) of the reflector (2) has a number of second partial reflective surfaces (2a') facing the second light source (3").which are arranged to represent the light emitted by the second light source (3") in the form of a second light distribution of a second light function, wherein the first light distribution differs from the second light distribution.