Clear Obelisk Projector Shield for Headlamp Light Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional light modulation systems for vehicle headlamps use opaque shields to block light below a cutoff angle, which blocks more light than necessary, leading to insufficient intensity in areas around the legal test point, creating a 'hole' in the light pattern and reducing illumination where it is needed.
Innovation Solution
A light modulation system featuring a projector shield with a clear obelisk optic that selectively redirects light using a transparent optic with a base and tip, allowing light to pass through the base while refracting and trapping light at the tip, maintaining the legal test point requirement without blocking unnecessary light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an opaque shield is used to block light below cutoff angle, then the cutoff light requirement is met, but light intensity in neighboring regions is reduced creating a hole in the light pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The shield transitions from a uniform opaque structure to a differentiated structure with transparent obelisk optics integrated at specific locations. This allows different regions of the shield to have different optical properties - opaque regions for blocking and transparent regions for allowing light passage - thereby maintaining cutoff compliance while preserving light intensity in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent obelisk optics serve as an intermediary element between the opaque shield and the light source. These obelisks redirect light paths through refraction, allowing light to pass through the shield structure in a controlled manner, thus preventing the complete light blockage that would occur with a fully opaque shield.
2Reliability
If more light is blocked to ensure cutoff compliance, then safety standards are met, but the light pattern reach is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the shield by introducing transparent materials with specific refractive properties. The transparent obelisk optics have different refractive indices compared to the opaque portions, enabling light to pass through while still maintaining the cutoff angle requirement. This parameter change allows the light pattern to extend further without compromising cutoff compliance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fully opaque shield is used, then light blocking is effective, but insufficient light reaches the legal test point area
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into distinct functional zones: opaque regions for effective light blocking and transparent obelisk optic regions for light transmission. This segmentation allows the shield to simultaneously perform both light blocking and light transmission functions in different areas, ensuring that the legal test point receives sufficient light while other areas maintain proper cutoff.
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 solution provides a more accurate dimming at the legal test point while maintaining sufficient light intensity in neighboring regions, enhancing the light pattern's reach and compliance with safety standards without creating a 'hole' in the illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The tip may be configured to refract a second portion of light for preventing the second portion of light from exiting the vehicular headlamp
Implementation Method 2
The black metalized portion may be configured to block a portion of projected light
Data Source
AI summary
A projector shield including a clear obelisk optic configured to modulate light exiting a vehicular headlamp. The clear obelisk optic comprises a base configured to sufficiently allow the passage of light therethrough, and a tip configured to refract light thereby preventing it from exiting the vehicular headlamp. The clear obelisk optic generates a light projection having a sufficiently dimmed area compared to surrounding areas.