Electronically Modulated Vehicle Lighting Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high luminosity lighting units for vehicles lack adjustability in light beam configuration, requiring multiple units for different applications and mechanical parts that can be prone to repair issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mountable lighting unit with an electronically adjustable refractive element and controller to modify beam spread and direction, eliminating the need for mechanical parts and allowing for customizable light beam configurations via a command interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting units are used for different illumination applications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single lighting unit that can perform multiple illumination functions (spotlight, work light, flood light) by electronically adjusting the refractive properties of the lens element. The controller modifies the refractive index of the lens material to change beam spread and configuration, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized lighting units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the lens material by electronically adjusting its refractive properties. The controller applies electrical signals to modify the refractive index of the lens element, enabling dynamic transformation of the light beam characteristics (spread, focus, direction) without mechanical moving parts, thus achieving multiple illumination patterns from a single fixed lighting unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical parts are used for beam adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as rotating lenses or moving reflectors) with an electronic system that modifies the refractive properties of the lens material. The controller uses electrical signals to change the refractive index of the lens element, enabling beam spread and configuration adjustment without any mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating wear, friction, and mechanical failure modes.
3Device complexity
If electronically adjustable refractive element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lens element with controllable refractive properties that can be electronically adjusted by the controller. This approach replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a solid-state optical solution, reducing moving parts and mechanical complexity. The refractive element is manufactured with precise optical properties to enable electronic modulation of beam characteristics.
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 robust, compact, and versatile lighting with infinite selectable beam configurations and directions, suitable for various applications without mechanical failures, enhancing illumination efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an optics arrangement, including an electronically adjustable refractive element; and a controller configured to electronically modify refractive properties of the refractive element to modulate a beam spread
Implementation Method 2
electronically adjustable refractive element; controller configured to electronically modify refractive properties
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting unit that can be mounted to a vehicle for illuminating work or emergency areas at night. The lighting unit includes a mechanically controllable driver for selecting a position of a central optical axis of the light emitter and an electronically adjustable refractive element for modulating a beam spread configuration generated by the lighting unit.