Headlamp Light Guide Distance Adjustment for Intensity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle headlamps require more efficient and cost-effective illumination systems that can adapt light distribution for high beam functionality without dazzling other road users, while being compact, lightweight, and simple in design.
Innovation Solution
The illumination system employs at least two light guides with different distances between their input coupling surfaces and radiation sources, allowing for adjustable light intensity and distribution by varying these distances, which can be arranged in various configurations to optimize light coupling efficiency and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the distance between the input coupling surface of a light guide and the radiation surface of the assigned radiation source is reduced to increase light coupling efficiency, then the light intensity increases, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and additional mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is integrated into the light guide assembly by nesting the radiation source within a holder that is directly coupled to the light guide. The holder contains recesses that receive the radiation source, creating a compact nested structure that reduces the distance between the radiation surface and input coupling surface while maintaining precise positioning without complex external mounting structures
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure merges multiple functions: it positions the radiation source, supports the light guide, and provides the mounting interface. By combining these elements into a single integrated assembly, the patent achieves precise positioning for high light coupling efficiency while reducing overall device complexity compared to separate mounting systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light guides with different distances are used to adapt light distribution, then the adaptability increases for high beam functionality, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Different light guides are assigned to different regions of the headlamp system with specific distance configurations optimized for their local requirements. The holder structure provides localized positioning features (recesses at different positions) that enable each light guide-radiation source pair to have its distance optimized for its specific functional region, achieving high adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light guide assemblies, each with its own radiation source and holder. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for specific light distribution requirements, while the modular design actually reduces overall complexity by enabling standardized manufacturing and assembly of identical or similar modules
3Weight of stationary object
If the light guide assembly is designed to be compact to reduce vehicle weight and space, then the weight and volume decrease, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain proper distances
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is pre-formed with precise recesses that position the radiation source at the correct distance from the light guide input coupling surface. This preliminary positioning action during assembly eliminates the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and ensures consistent precise distances across all units, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The nested structure of the holder containing the radiation source within the light guide assembly creates a compact integrated unit. The recesses in the holder provide built-in positioning features that maintain precise distances without requiring additional precision machining or complex mounting hardware, thus achieving compactness while managing manufacturing precision requirements
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
This approach enables flexible and efficient light distribution adaptation, providing higher light intensities where needed, such as in the central region of the high beam, while reducing light in areas like oncoming traffic, thus enhancing vehicle design flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A distance between the input coupling surface of one of the light guides and the radiation surface of the at least one assigned radiation source and the distance between the input coupling surface of a further light guide and the radiation source of the at least one assigned radiation source differ
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, an illumination system is provided. The illumination system may include at least two light guides, which each have an input coupling surface and an output coupling surface, and at least one radiation source having a radiation surface that faces the corresponding input coupling surface provided for a respective light guide. A distance between the input coupling surface of one of the light guides and the radiation surface of the at least one assigned radiation source and the distance between the input coupling surface of a further light guide and the radiation source of the at least one assigned radiation source differ.