Vehicle Headlamp Hyperbolic Reflector Virtual Image
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light modules for motor vehicles require significant installation space due to the need for large reflector systems and projection systems, which compromise compactness without impairing lighting properties.
Innovation Solution
A compact light module using a hyperbolic reflector that generates a virtual intermediate image, projecting it through a lens to create a light image with adjustable light-dark boundaries, allowing for reduced overall depth and volume by dividing refractive power between the reflector and lens, and utilizing caustic effects to shape the light image without screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a classic projection system with a real intermediate image is used, then the lighting properties are achieved, but the installation space in the direction of the optical axis is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional projection system by using a hyperbolic reflector to create a virtual intermediate image instead of a real intermediate image. This virtual image is then projected through a lens onto the road surface, achieving the desired lighting properties while significantly reducing the installation space in the optical axis direction compared to classic systems with real intermediate images.
2Illumination intensity
If a free-form reflector system is used, then the lighting properties are achieved, but the installation space in the transverse direction is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into a hyperbolic reflector and a separate lens component. The hyperbolic reflector handles the light gathering and virtual image formation, while the lens handles the final projection. This segmentation allows for a more compact transverse arrangement compared to monolithic free-form reflector systems, as each component can be optimized independently for its specific function.
3Shape
If the reflector is designed as a partial reflector shell, then the light-dark line is formed in the light image, but the design freedom for the light image is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens as an intermediary component between the hyperbolic reflector and the final light image. The lens acts as a mediator that takes the virtual intermediate image from the reflector and projects it onto the road surface. This intermediary lens provides additional design freedom, allowing for various light image configurations and patterns while maintaining the light-dark line formation capability of the partial reflector shell.
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 achieves a compact design without compromising lighting performance, enabling smaller headlight systems while maintaining compliance with regulatory light distributions and improving color fidelity by reducing chromatic aberration.
Implementation Method 1
the reflector generates a virtual intermediate image of the light source, which is then projected through the lens
Implementation Method 2
projected through the lens in the form of a converging lens into the area in front of the light module or vehicle
Implementation Method 3
utilizing caustic effects to shape the light image without screens
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a light module (1) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one light source (1, 10, 11, 100, 110), at least one reflector (2, 20, 21, 200, 210, 2000) and at least one lens (3, 30, 31, 300, 310) wherein the light emitted by said light source (1, 10, 11, 100, 110) is formed into a light distribution by a reflecting surface (2a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 200a, 210a, 2000a) of the at least one reflector (2, 20, 21, 200, 210, 2000) and - when said light module (1) is fitted in a vehicle - is projected via the at least one lens (3, 30, 31, 300, 310) into an area in front of the vehicle. According to the invention, the reflecting surface (2a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 200a, 210a, 2000a) of the at least one reflector (2, 20, 21, 200, 210, 2000) is formed in such a way that a first focal point (F1) of said reflector (2, 20, 21, 200, 210, 2000) is located between the reflecting surface (2a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 200a, 210a, 2000a) and the at least one lens (3, 30, 31, 300, 310), and a second focal point (F2) is located on the side of the reflector (2, 20, 21, 200, 210, 2000) facing away from the lens (3, 30, 31, 300, 310), wherein the reflecting surface (2a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 200a, 210a, 2000a) of the reflector (2, 20, 21, 200, 210, 2000) is designed in such a way that the light pattern generated comprises at least one light-dark line.