Vehicle Headlamp Beam Combining for Single-Aperture Multi-Function Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlamp designs require multiple apertures for each function, constraining aesthetic design and making it difficult to integrate high-resolution projection systems like HD lighting technologies, which lack a streamlined appearance.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system that combines multiple light modules into a single composite output beam using an optical device, such as a prism or mirror, to redirect and overlap light beams, allowing for multiple functions without multiple output apertures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple apertures are provided for multiple functions, then each function can be properly implemented, but the aesthetic design is constrained and the headlamp appearance becomes less streamlined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple functionsVSAvoidaesthetic design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light modules (projector module for high beam, LED module for low beam) into a single integrated lighting system with one output aperture. The optical device merges the separate light beams into a unified output, eliminating the need for multiple separate apertures while maintaining all lighting functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single output aperture serves multiple functions by receiving and combining light from different modules. The optical device enables one aperture to perform what traditionally required multiple apertures, making the system multi-functional through a unified interface.

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

2Reliability

If high-resolution projection systems are integrated, then lighting performance is enhanced, but the design becomes more complex and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device acts as an intermediary component that receives light from separate modules and combines them into a single output beam. This mediator enables the integration of multiple functions without requiring complex mechanical arrangements or multiple apertures, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light modules are used, then functional versatility is improved, but the number of output apertures increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of apertures
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the output beams from multiple light modules into a single composite output beam using the optical device. This combining approach maintains functional versatility while reducing the quantity of apertures from multiple to one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple apertures are provided, then each light function can be optimized, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight function optimizationVSAvoidspace consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light functions into a single aperture structure, reducing the overall space required for the headlamp assembly. The optical device enables efficient spatial arrangement by merging beam paths, thereby optimizing space utilization while maintaining all lighting functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 more streamlined headlamp design with enhanced performance and versatility, saving space and allowing for individual control of brightness and color balance, while maintaining optimal light distribution.

Implementation Method 1

An optical device redirects the output beam of at least one light module and combines it with the output beam the other light module into a single composite output beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The optical device comprises at least one reflective surface facing a light module and reflecting its output beam as a component of the composite output beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the optical device comprises at least one prism having at least one reflective surface which reflects a light module output beam off the reflective surface of the prism and directs it as a component of the composite output beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4650653A1Headlamp for vehicle with multiple main functions
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 OPMOBILITY LIGHTING GERMANY GMBH
  • EP4650653A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4650653A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4650653A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Headlamp with a streamlined design that has one aperture for multiple functions, using a device that combines the outputs from individual light sources (7) into a single visible output aperture (17). The device comprises at least one mirror surface facing the light source and reflecting the output beam towards the visible output aperture (17), which can be achieved through the use of prisms (12) or mirrors (20,22,24,25,26) that are carefully positioned and angled to direct the individual beams towards the aperture (17).