Headlamp Optical Element Layout for Compact Low- and High-Beam Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlamp systems face challenges in achieving a compact, lightweight, and efficient optical design due to the large size of light guide channels and reflecting elements required for LED light sources, which contradicts the trend of increasingly compact vehicle shapes and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A headlamp optical element comprising a light collecting part, a light emitting part, and a reflecting part connected in sequence, with adjustable positions for low and high beam cutoff lines, and a lens in either a split or integrated structure, enhancing space utilization and reducing weight through optimized light distribution and reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large reflecting element is used to ensure adequate light coverage for LED sources, then the light distribution effect is improved, but the device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting element is divided into multiple segments (first reflecting element, second reflecting element, third reflecting element) that are arranged in sequence. Each segment handles a specific portion of the light path, allowing the system to achieve adequate light coverage without requiring a single large reflecting element, thus reducing overall device weight while maintaining illumination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges reflecting elements and light sources in a multi-dimensional sequence along the light propagation direction rather than using a single large planar reflector. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows compact packaging of optical components, reducing the footprint and weight of the headlamp assembly while maintaining proper light distribution.
2Ease of operation
If a solid light guide channel structure is used in condensers, then light guidance is achieved, but the module size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light guidance function from a solid light guide channel structure and implements it through a sequence of optical elements (reflecting elements and light sources) arranged in space. This eliminates the need for a bulky solid light guide channel, significantly reducing module size while maintaining the essential light guidance function through the arranged optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical solid light guide channel structure with an optical system consisting of reflecting elements and light sources arranged in sequence. This substitution uses optical principles (reflection, light emission) instead of mechanical light guiding, achieving the same light guidance function with a more compact and cost-effective solution.
3Area of stationary object
If LED light sources with large light emitting angles are used, then illumination coverage is improved, but the requiring larger reflecting elements increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple discrete elements (first reflecting element, second reflecting element, third reflecting element, and multiple light sources) arranged in sequence. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system design compared to using a single large complex reflector, while maintaining adequate illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic light path where light from LED sources with large emitting angles is sequentially reflected by multiple reflecting elements. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to manage large-angle light emission through controlled reflections, simplifying the design compared to static single-reflector systems while maintaining proper light distribution.
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 results in a smaller, lighter, and more efficient headlamp system that improves space utilization, simplifies the structure, and enhances optical accuracy, while meeting regulatory brightness requirements for low and high beam illumination.
Implementation Method 1
light is refracted and reflected by the condenser
Implementation Method 2
light is refracted and reflected by the condenser
Implementation Method 3
one end of the reflecting part is connected with a lower portion of the light emitting part
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a headlamp optical element comprising a light collecting part, a light emitting part and a reflecting part connected in sequence. The reflecting part comprises a low beam or high beam cutoff line structure. The end of the light collecting part comprises an outer contour surface and a concave cavity including a cambered front light incident surface and a lateral light incident surface that is curved with a smaller circumference closer to the reflecting part. The outer contour surface is curved with a larger circumference closer to the reflecting part. A lower portion of the light collecting part is provided with a region III light-shape forming structure, wherein part of light converged can be emitted from region III and under the reflecting part in sequence forming a light-shape of a low beam region III. The headlamp optical element is simple, compact, and lighter in weight.