Compact Vehicle Lighting Device with Movable Optical Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices, particularly dipped beam headlamps, face challenges in size and weight due to the need for numerous light-emitting diodes to achieve dynamic bending light functions, leading to complexity and increased cost, while existing solutions either require large, heavy mechanisms or inefficient light distribution.

Innovation Solution

A compact lighting device design featuring a first optical module with a substantially flat cutoff and a second optical module with a non-flat cutoff line, where the second module can move to perform the dynamic bending light function, utilizing light-emitting diodes to generate a hot spot and varying light intensity to optimize light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If numerous light-emitting diodes are used to achieve dynamic bending light functions, then the lighting function is improved, but the size and weight of the lighting device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic bending light functionVSAvoidweight of lighting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is divided into two independent optical modules: a first optical module that generates a light beam with a substantially flat cutoff, and a second optical module that generates a light beam with a non-flat cutoff line. This segmentation allows each module to have specialized functions, reducing the overall complexity and weight compared to using numerous LEDs for all functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second optical module is designed to be movable and can perform multiple functions: it can move to generate dynamic bending light effects, and its position can be adjusted to create different lighting patterns. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate light sources, reducing the overall weight of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous light-emitting diodes are used to achieve dynamic bending light functions, then the lighting function is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic bending light functionVSAvoidcomplexity of lighting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the lighting device into two specialized optical modules with distinct functions, the complexity of controlling numerous individual LEDs is reduced. Each module can be controlled independently, simplifying the overall control system while achieving the dynamic bending light effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second optical module is designed to be movable, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position to create bending light effects. This mechanical dynamics approach replaces what would otherwise require complex electronic control of numerous static LEDs, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of moving parts are used to achieve dynamic lighting functions, then the lighting adaptability is improved, but the size and weight of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting adaptabilityVSAvoidvolume of lighting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device uses only one movable component (the second optical module) instead of multiple moving parts. This segmentation of movement to a single element achieves the required lighting adaptability while minimizing the volume occupied by moving mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single movable second optical module performs multiple functions: it can move to create dynamic bending effects, and its movement can be adjusted to produce different lighting patterns. This multi-functionality of a single moving part reduces the overall volume required for moving components compared to having multiple specialized moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 dynamic and continuous rendering of the dynamic bending light function while minimizing the size and weight of the lighting device, achieving efficient light distribution and reducing the number of moving parts, thus enhancing performance and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

light sources intervening in said lighting device, for example with light sources of the light-emitting diode type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a spot of light concentration is generated by a light source placed in a mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical concentration: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

a light beam is generated by a light source of small dimension arranged in a reflector, or mirror. The projection on the road of the light rays reflected by an appropriate reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP1980447B1Compact lighting device performing a turning code function
Publication Date: 2013.09.25 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP1980447B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5C
  • EP1980447B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9C
  • EP1980447B1 patent drawingFigure 10~11

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lighting device (1106) for a motor vehicle producing an overall light beam (200). The lighting device comprises a first fixed optical module (504), including at least one first light source, for producing a first light beam of the type with a substantially flat and horizontal cutoff. The lighting device further comprises a second movable optical module (505), including at least one first light source, for producing a second light beam of the type with a non-flat cutoff that can be moved relative to the first light beam.