Vehicle Headlamp Asymmetrical Reflector Segmented Light Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlight designs require multiple identical projection light units to generate predetermined light functions, such as low beam or high beam distributions, which are inefficient and space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A headlight design featuring a reflector device open in one direction, with differently configured light units that generate distinct light distributions, including projection light units with reflectors and reflector-free units, allowing for efficient and space-saving generation of various light functions through superimposition of light distributions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple identical projection light units are used to generate predetermined light functions, then the light distribution requirements are met, but the device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight function generation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of projection light units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headlight is divided into multiple light units, each containing a light source device and a reflector device with specific opening directions. Different combinations of these segmented light units can generate different light functions (low beam, high beam, highway light), replacing the need for multiple identical complex projection light units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector device is designed with an opening in a specific direction to serve multiple functions. By selectively activating different light units with the same reflector structure but different opening orientations, the system can generate various light distributions (low beam, high beam, highway light) without requiring separate dedicated projection light units for each function.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple identical projection light units are used to generate predetermined light functions, then the light distribution requirements are met, but the installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight function generation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The headlight assembly is segmented into multiple compact light units, each with a light source device and a reflector device. This segmentation allows for a more space-efficient arrangement compared to using multiple large identical projection light units, as each unit can be optimized independently for compactness while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector device with an opening in a specific direction serves multiple light function requirements (low beam, high beam, highway light) through selective activation of different light units. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby reducing the overall installation space required in the vehicle.

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

3Loss of energy

If additional reflector surfaces are used to direct light rays towards the lens, then light utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight ray utilization efficiencyVSAvoidreflector surface configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector device is designed with an asymmetric opening direction rather than a symmetric omnidirectional reflector. This asymmetric configuration allows the reflector to efficiently direct light rays towards the lens in the required direction without needing additional reflector surfaces, simplifying the overall reflector surface configuration while maintaining high light utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 high light intensities with minimal light exit surfaces, optimizing light distribution for range, driving comfort, and safety while reducing production tolerance sensitivity and aberrations.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector device (3), which is open in a specific direction, has reflector surfaces (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a lens (5) positioned upstream in the light emission direction (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2034235B1Headlamp for vehicles
Publication Date: 2013.11.06 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP2034235B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2034235B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2034235B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

The headlamp has a projection lighting unit (1) for generating a predetermined light distribution e.g. autobahn light distribution. The projection lighting unit includes a light source device (2) e.g. LED luminous element chip, attached to a reflector device (3) and a lens (5) pre-located in the direction of the light beam of the reflector device. The reflector device is opened in a unique direction, and extends in a region between a plane of extension of the light source device and an optical axis (7) of the lens.