Electrochromic Motor Vehicle Light Module for Adaptive Photometric Functions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive lighting devices struggle to achieve a unique, constant light signature both day and night while performing various photometric functions due to regulatory constraints and the need to reduce size and cost, as existing modules require additional components like covers and opaque screens that increase size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A light module incorporating an electrochromic device downstream of the light source that can selectively appear transparent or diffusing, controlled by a controller to manage light emission and distribution for different photometric functions, allowing the same module to perform multiple functions without significant size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is added to intercept light rays and form an upper cut-off, then the dipped beam lighting function is achieved, but the light module becomes heavier and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an electrochromic layer that can change its optical properties (from transparent to opaque) in response to electrical signals. This dynamic color/opacity change allows the same structure to perform different photometric functions (dipped beam with cut-off, road lighting without cut-off, daytime running light) without physical modification, eliminating the need for heavy covers while maintaining regulatory compliance for each function.
2Reliability
If a cover is added to intercept light rays and form an upper cut-off, then the dipped beam lighting function is achieved, but the light module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic layer dynamically adjusts its opacity to create the upper cut-off effect when needed for dipped beam function, eliminating the need for a permanent physical cover. When road lighting function is required, the layer becomes transparent, allowing full light emission without the cut-off structure interfering, thus maintaining a compact module size.
3Reliability
If an opaque screen is arranged horizontally to prevent stray rays, then the regulatory compliance is achieved, but the light module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic layer replaces the need for horizontal opaque screens by dynamically controlling light transmission. When dipped beam function is active, the layer becomes opaque to prevent stray rays from appearing above the cut-off line. When road lighting function is active, the layer becomes transparent, allowing all light to pass through without requiring additional screening structures, thus reducing overall module volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and selective control are used to perform several photometric functions, then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single optical projection device with an electrochromic layer that can perform multiple photometric functions (dipped beam, road lighting, daytime running light) by dynamically adjusting the layer's opacity. This universal approach allows one structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, reducing device complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic layer provides dynamic adaptability by changing its optical properties in real-time based on the required photometric function. This dynamic characteristic allows the same hardware configuration to adapt to different regulatory requirements without physical reconfiguration, simplifying the overall device structure compared to static multi-component solutions.
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
Enables a consistent light signature across day and night by modifying light distribution to meet regulatory requirements for various functions, reducing the module's size and weight by eliminating the need for additional components like covers and opaque screens.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic device comprising at least one portion arranged downstream of the light source and capable of selectively presenting a diffusing appearance and a transparent appearance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a light module (1) of a motor vehicle lighting device, comprising: a light source (2, 2') intended to perform at least one photometric function, an electrochromic device (9) comprising at least one portion (91, 92) arranged downstream of the light source (2, 2') and capable of optionally having a diffusing appearance or a transparent appearance, and a controller (8) arranged to receive an emission instruction from the photometric function and to control, in accordance with the instruction, the emission of light by the light source (2, 2') and the appearance of the electrochromic device (9).