Curved Wavelength Conversion Element for Uniform Headlight Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle headlights with wavelength conversion elements and scanning means produce non-uniform illumination due to varying light intensity across the beam, with edges being more intense than the center, which does not comply with regulatory lighting standards.
Innovation Solution
A light device featuring a wavelength conversion element with a convex curvature towards the scanning means, combined with scanning mechanisms using micro-mirrors to adjust the light beam's intensity distribution, ensuring the center receives more light than the edges, and an optical projection system configured to maintain homogeneous illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If scanning means are used to illuminate the conversion element, then the illuminated area is increased, but the illumination becomes non-uniform with edges more intense than center
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion element is given a convex curvature towards the scanning means, specifically a cylindrical shape. This curvature causes the center of the conversion element to be closer to the light source than the edges, thereby receiving more light intensity and compensating for the natural tendency of scanning to over-illuminate the edges. The curved surface transforms the uniform scanning motion into non-uniform illumination distribution that achieves the desired uniform output.
2Productivity
If the scan stops at each edge to reverse direction, then the scanning coverage is complete, but the illumination intensity becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical/convex curvature of the conversion element compensates for the scanning stop-and-reverse behavior. By positioning the center closer to the light source, the curvature ensures that the center receives sufficient light intensity even when the scanning beam dwells longer at the edges during direction reversals. This geometric solution maintains complete scanning coverage while achieving uniform illumination output.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flat conversion element is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the light intensity distribution is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adopts a cylindrical curvature rather than a completely flat surface, representing a moderate geometric modification that balances manufacturability with optical performance. The cylindrical shape is simpler to manufacture than complex freeform surfaces while still providing the necessary curvature effect to achieve uniform light distribution. This solution represents a practical compromise between manufacturing simplicity and optical uniformity.
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 achieves a more uniform and intensified light beam in the center, addressing the non-uniformity issue and meeting regulatory requirements by compensating for light intensity differences across the illuminated area.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength conversion element configured to receive the light rays emitted by the light source and to re-emit light radiation generating said light beam
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source (2) capable of emitting light rays (6) to form a light beam (17) and an optical projection system (4) configured to project the light beam (17) along an optical axis (16), characterized in that it further comprises a wavelength conversion element (5) configured to receive the light rays (6) emitted by the light source (2) and to re-emit light radiation generating said light beam (17) in the direction of the optical projection system (4), and scanning means (3) configured to scan the light rays (6) emitted by the light source (2) onto the conversion element (5), the conversion element (5) having a convex curvature towards the scanning means (3).