Asymmetric Lighting Module Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light beam emission modules for vehicle headlamps are limited by the size and orientation of collectors and cut-off elements, which restrict compactness and efficient light focusing, particularly in low aperture systems with fine lenses.
Innovation Solution
The light sources and collectors are oriented at an angle deviating from the optical axis, allowing for asymmetrical collector configurations that redirect light towards a focal region, reducing device size and improving light collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources and collectors are oriented along the optical axis towards the cut-off element, then light collection efficiency is maintained, but the device footprint and vertical dimension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the light sources and collectors at an angle deviating from the optical axis. The collectors have an asymmetrical configuration where the collection surface is positioned at an angle relative to the optical axis, allowing light to be collected and redirected towards the focal region without requiring the sources to be directly aligned with the cut-off element. This asymmetrical arrangement reduces the vertical dimension while maintaining effective light collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional change by introducing an angular orientation in a different spatial dimension. Instead of arranging all components along the optical axis (one dimension), the light sources and collectors are oriented at an angle, effectively using a second dimension (angular deviation) to achieve compactness. This allows the light collection function to be maintained while reducing the footprint along the optical axis direction.
2Illumination intensity
If collectors are made larger to collect maximum luminous flux, then light collection efficiency improves, but thermal stress constraints require greater distance from light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetrical configuration of the collectors allows them to be positioned closer to the light sources while maintaining sufficient collection area. By orienting the collection surface at an angle, the effective collection area is maximized without requiring the collector to be placed at a greater distance along the optical axis, thus reducing the thermal stress gap requirement while maintaining luminous flux collection efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If light sources are brought closer together for compactness, then device size is reduced, but collectors collide with the cut-off element
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetrical orientation of the collectors at an angle to the optical axis allows the light sources to be positioned closer together without the collectors colliding with the cut-off element. The angled configuration creates sufficient clearance between the collector edges and the cut-off element, enabling compact source placement while avoiding interference.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing angular orientation, the patent resolves the spatial conflict between compact source placement and collector-cutoff element clearance. The angular deviation in a different dimension provides the necessary separation space, allowing sources to be brought closer together along the optical axis without causing collector collision with the cut-off element.
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 approach enables closer placement of light sources, reducing the device's vertical dimension and enhancing light focusing capabilities, while maintaining effective cut-off profiles for various lighting modes.
Implementation Method 1
optical collectors adapted to collect the light emitted by light sources and to redirect the collected light to a focal region
Implementation Method 2
the exit surface of the collector is configured to focus the collimated light towards the focal region
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Emission module (1) of at least one light beam along an optical axis (A) for motor vehicle, said device comprising first (3) and second (4) light sources, first (5) and second (6) optical collectors adapted to collect the light emitted by said first and second light sources respectively and to redirect the collected light along convergent directions (D5, D6), said module being characterized in that: • at least one of the first and second light sources is oriented so as to emit light along an overall emission direction (D3, D4) away from the optical axis; and • the collector associated with said oriented light source(s) has at least partially an asymmetric configuration elongating the collector along the optical axis (A).