Vehicle Headlamp Lighting Module with Shared Optics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automobile headlamp systems, particularly the dipped beam function, inadequately illuminate the side of the road beyond the adjacent lane, posing a safety risk as pedestrians or vehicles may not be visible soon enough to the driver.

Innovation Solution

A compact lighting module with shared light sources, a reflector, and a lens that optimizes light distribution to provide greater illumination in the lower parts of the image, ensuring sharp vertical edges and comfortable lighting, reducing the device's volume and enhancing visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple projector modules are juxtaposed to illuminate different vertical bands, then the scene can be selectively illuminated in different zones, but the device volume becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective illumination capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light sources (at least three LEDs arranged vertically) into a single projector module that shares common optical components (reflector and lens). This merging approach allows the module to produce multiple vertical bands of illumination simultaneously, achieving the selective illumination capability of multiple modules while reducing the overall device volume by eliminating redundant components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single projector module is designed to perform multiple functions by using at least three light sources that can be independently controlled to illuminate different vertical zones. The shared reflector and lens system handles illumination for all zones, making the module universal in its ability to provide adaptive road lighting, lane lighting, and roadside illumination through a single integrated unit.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If a conventional reflector shape is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the light distribution does not provide sufficient illumination in the lower parts of the scene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflector manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlower band illumination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is designed with a specific curved cross-sectional shape that creates different optical properties in different regions. The curvature is designed to redirect light from the vertically arranged LED sources such that the lower vertical bands receive enhanced illumination. This local quality adjustment in the reflector geometry ensures that light is preferentially directed toward the lower parts of the scene while maintaining manufacturability through a consistent curved surface design.

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

The solution provides improved illumination of the roadside beyond the adjacent lane, enhancing driver visibility and safety by ensuring that the lighting is more intense in the lower parts of the image, reducing the risk of missing pedestrians or vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a lighting module (2) for a motor vehicle headlamp comprising a plurality of light sources (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

associated with a reflector (8) and with a lens (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the lens (10) is arranged so that the image formed by the lens (10) of an object placed at one of its focal points has a sharp outline along its entire length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP2730838B1Lighting module for a vehicle headlamp comprising several light sources
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2730838B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2730838B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP2730838B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The module (2) has a set of light sources that is placed successively along a curve (4), a cylindrical reflector (8) and a lens (10) that is ready to receive light of each light source. A set of reflectors is arranged so as to form a luminous spot for the light emitted by the light sources. Luminous distribution in the luminous spot is modified with regard to luminous distribution of the light sources. The lens presents two foci and a focal zone, where the lens is arranged such that images of object formed by the lens are placed on the foci so as to allow the images to be sharp.