Vehicle Headlamp Lens Layout for Adaptive High Beam Shaping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlamp lighting devices require complex constructions and numerous optical components to create different light distributions, leading to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with aligned co-axial first and second lens elements creating a common focal point, combined with a light source holder configuration that directs light fractions through different refraction areas to generate a high beam light distribution with smooth intensity transitions and adaptive capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple collimator devices are used to create different light distributions, then different light distributions can be generated, but the construction becomes complex and the number of optical components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to create different light distributionsVSAvoidconstruction complexity and number of optical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single optical device performs multiple functions by directing light from different light source groups (first and second groups) through different optical paths to create different light distributions (first and second light distributions), eliminating the need for separate collimator devices for each function

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple optical functions that previously required separate collimator devices are merged into one integrated optical device, reducing the total number of optical components while maintaining the capability to generate multiple distinct light distributions

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

The solution enables a simplified construction with effective generation of high beam light distributions featuring smooth intensity fades and adaptive control, reducing complexity and enhancing operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the first lens element is configured to refract light, in respect to its optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the second lens element is configured to receive refracted light from the first lens element and to project said light in front of the lighting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4443044B1Lighting device for a vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP4443044B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4443044B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4c
  • EP4443044B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

Lighting device (1) for a vehicle headlamp, comprising a plurality of light sources (2), a first lens element (3), arranged downstream of the plurality of light sources (2), a second lens element (4), arranged downstream of the first lens element (3), wherein a light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3) is formed by a main-area (5b) and a sub-area (5a), wherein the light sources (2) and the light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3) are distanced to each other, such that a first fraction of light is emitted towards the sub-area (5a) and a second fraction is emitted towards the main-area (5b), wherein the light sources (2), the first lens element (3) and the second lens element (4) are configured to create a complete or partial, preferably adaptive, high beam light distribution with two sections (HB1, HB2), wherein the sub-area (5a) and the main-area (5b) of the light receiving surface (3a) of the first lens element (3) are configured to refract impinging light, wherein refraction of light by the sub-area (5a) and refraction of light by the main-area (5b) is such that a first intensity maximum of a first section (HB1) is vertically lower in front of the lighting device (1) than a second intensity maximum of the second section (HB2).