Vehicle Headlamp Light Guide Groove Structures for Homogeneous High Beam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headlight lighting devices face challenges in achieving a homogeneous high-beam distribution while maintaining concentrated and directed illumination, leading to inhomogeneities in areas requiring uniform illumination.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of groove-shaped structures on the lower light-guiding surface of high-beam light-guiding elements, oriented transversely to the optical axis, with widths of 0.2-0.4 mm and heights of 0.015-0.03 mm, improves the superimposition of reflected light rays and enhances light homogeneity by influencing light distribution locally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light guides with small cross-section are used to emit light in a concentrated manner, then concentrated and directed illumination is achieved, but inhomogeneities appear in the light image distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcentrated illuminationVSAvoidlight distribution homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing groove structures only in specific areas of the light guide's lower light-guiding surface, particularly in regions where light rays are reflected. This localized modification allows the light guide to maintain concentrated illumination in some areas while creating homogenizing effects in specific zones where inhomogeneities occur, thus resolving the contradiction between concentrated illumination and uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the height of the high beam distribution is reduced to improve homogeneity, then light distribution uniformity improves, but customer requirements are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution homogeneityVSAvoidcustomer requirements satisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly reducing the height of the high beam distribution, the patent applies local quality by introducing groove structures only in specific areas of the light guide. This allows the light guide to maintain its original height and concentrated beam characteristics while creating homogenizing effects only in the areas where inhomogeneities occur, thus satisfying both homogeneity requirements and customer expectations for concentrated illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If light-scattering structures are introduced to improve homogeneity, then light distribution uniformity improves, but the concentrated and directed illumination is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution homogeneityVSAvoidconcentrated illumination
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by applying light-scattering groove structures only locally in specific areas of the light guide where inhomogeneities occur, rather than throughout the entire light guide. This localized approach allows the majority of the light guide to maintain its concentrated and directed illumination capabilities while only the specific problem areas receive homogenizing treatment through the groove structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution results in a more homogeneous high-beam distribution and improved light homogeneity, reducing inhomogeneities and enhancing the overall light pattern, as demonstrated by simulations showing a continuous intensity drop and improved light homogeneity across the high-beam segment.

Implementation Method 1

the structures are formed in the form of grooves, the grooves being oriented transversely to an optical axis of the lighting device and having a width of 0.2-0.4 mm and have a height of 0.015 - 0.03 mm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3329179B1Light device for a vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP3329179B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3329179B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3329179B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a headlamp, in particular a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising a multiplicity of light sources (100), a lightguide device (10) with a multiplicity of lightguide elements (11, 12, 13) and a downstream imaging optical element (200), wherein each lightguide element (11, 12, 13) has in each case a light input face and in each case a light exit face, wherein the lightguide elements (11, 12, 13) are arranged in at least one row, wherein the lightguide elements of at least one row are embodied as main beam lightguide elements (11) and form a main beam row, each main beam lightguide element (11) comprising in each case a lower lightguide face (24), wherein the lower lightguide face (24) has, at least in that area in which the light beams (52) are reflected, structures (25) which are present at least in certain locations.