Automotive Lighting Module with Segmented Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle headlamp systems face challenges in producing a high-performance lighting module that can effectively combine a cut-off beam with an uncut beam, often experiencing photometry difficulties in the lower part of the 'road' type beam.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module comprising a first optical system configured to produce a horizontal cut-off beam and a second optical system to produce a vertically more extended beam, with variable lighting power achieved by selectively powering main and auxiliary light zones, allowing for high and low lighting levels, and an electronic unit for controlling light sources to optimize beam production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a lighting module uses a single light source configuration to produce both cut-off beam and road beam, then the device complexity is reduced, but the photometric performance in the lower part of the road beam deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple independently controllable zones (first light zone, second light zone, third light zone) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows different beam patterns to be generated by controlling specific zones, resolving the contradiction between simplified configuration and precise photometric control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module employs dynamic control of light source zones based on operating conditions. The control unit selectively activates different zones to produce either cut-off beam or road beam as needed, enabling the system to adapt its photometric characteristics dynamically rather than being fixed, thus maintaining performance across different beam types.
2Area of stationary object
If the lighting module produces a vertically extended road beam in combination with cut-off beam, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the photometry in the lower part of the road beam deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones of the light source are assigned different functional qualities: the first light zone produces the cut-off beam with horizontal cutoff, while the second and third light zones contribute to the vertically extended road beam. This local differentiation of light source regions enables precise control over the photometric properties of each beam type, particularly improving the lower part illumination of the road beam.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light zones are selectively powered to modulate beam shape, then the beam versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module achieves multi-functionality through a single light source assembly with multiple controllable zones that can produce different beam types (cut-off beam, road beam, vertically extended beam) by selective activation. This universal design eliminates the need for separate physical light sources for each beam type, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high versatility.
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
The solution enables the production of a cut-off beam and an uncut beam with increased luminous flux, particularly in the lower part of the beam, enhancing photometric performance and providing greater flexibility in lighting modes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of these two optical systems essentially comprises a light source and a reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
Rays encountering the surface in question behind the cut-off edge are reflected towards an upper part of a projection lens
Implementation Method 3
Those rays which encounter the reflecting surface in question behind the cut-off edge are reflected towards an upper part of a projection lens
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting module (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising an optical axis (4); a first optical system (6) with at least one first light source (8), said system (6) being configured to form a first beam of light along the optical axis (4), with a horizontal cutoff; and a second optical system (20) with at least one second light source (22), said system (20) being configured to produce, in combination with the first optical system (6), a second beam of light along the optical axis (4), vertically wider than the first beam. The first light source(s) (8) have a variable light output between a high and a low level, the first beam being produced at the low light output level and the second beam being produced at the high level.