Motor Vehicle Headlamp Light Module Multi-Function Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor vehicle headlight light modules can only generate a limited number of light distributions, restricting the implementation of various light functions and failing to utilize the same light exit surface for both main and secondary functions like direction indicators or daytime running lights.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an additional light source between the entrance and exit optics, which emits light in a non-overlapping distribution type, allowing for multiple light functions to be generated from the same light exit surface without affecting the intermediate image formed by the primary light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single light source and projection device are used, then the structure is simple and installation space is reduced, but the number of light functions that can be generated is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of light functionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single light module to perform multiple light functions (main light, secondary light, direction indicator, position light, daytime running light) through the use of multiple light sources with different emission characteristics. The first light source generates main light functions while the second light source generates secondary light functions, allowing one physical module to serve multiple purposes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the light generation function by using separate first and second light sources within the same light module. Each light source is independently controllable and generates different types of light distributions, allowing the system to achieve functional diversity without requiring separate modules for each light function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate light modules are used to achieve different light functions, then light function versatility is improved, but installation space and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight function diversityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light function capabilities into a single integrated light module. By combining the first light source for main light functions and the second light source for secondary light functions within one module, the invention reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby decreasing installation space while maintaining light function diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified light module design allows a single component to perform multiple light functions that would traditionally require separate modules, achieving space efficiency through multi-functionality.

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

3Area of stationary object

If the same light exit surface is used for both main and secondary light functions, then space efficiency is improved, but light distribution control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight exit surface utilizationVSAvoidlight distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different light sources to different functional zones within the same light exit surface. The first light source is optimized for main light distribution patterns while the second light source is optimized for secondary light functions, allowing each source to have specialized characteristics tailored to its specific function while sharing the same physical exit surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The light distribution control is segmented by independently controlling the first and second light sources. Each light source can be controlled separately to generate its specific light distribution pattern, allowing precise control over different light functions even though they exit through the same surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the simultaneous implementation of multiple light functions, such as main and secondary light functions, from a single light exit surface, enhancing efficiency and reducing installation space requirements while maintaining a uniform appearance in both illuminated and unilluminated states.

Implementation Method 1

the entry optics being set up to form an intermediate image from light emitted by the at least one light source in an intermediate image plane located between the entry optics and the exit optics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Lens

Implementation Method 2

at least one additional light source is provided, which at least one additional light source is set up to emit light between the entrance optics and the exit optics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3803196B1Light module for a motor vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP3803196B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3803196B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3803196B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising: at least one light source (1) and at least one projection device (2), the projection device (2) having an entry optical unit (21) and an exit optical unit (22), the entry optical unit (21) being designed to form an intermediate image from light emitted by the at least one light source (1) in an intermediate image plane, which lies between the entry optical unit (21) and the exit optical unit (22) and is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the projection device (2), and the exit optical unit (22) being designed to image the intermediate image into a region in front of the light module in the form of a light distribution of a first predefined type, at least one additional light source (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) being provided, which at least one additional light source (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is designed to emit light between the entry optical unit (21) and the exit optical unit (22); the exit optical unit (22) being designed to image the light emitted by the at least one additional light source (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) into the region in front of the light module in the form of a light distribution of a second predefined type; the entry optical unit (21) and the at least one additional light source (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) being designed in such a way and being associated with each other in such a way that neither the at least one additional light source (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) nor the light emitted by the at least one additional light source (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) changes the intermediate image.