Vehicle Headlamp Lighting Unit with Single Reflector for Multiple Beam Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for multiple lighting functions in vehicle headlamps with different beam patterns poses a challenge due to limited space, as existing solutions require separate reflectors for each function, making it difficult to maintain compact dimensions while providing distinct lighting functions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit with a high reflectivity reflecting surface and at least two independently controllable light sources, where the reflecting surface is shaped to generate two distinct beam patterns using the same surface area, allowing for compact design and flexible lighting functions like fog light and daytime running light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate reflectors are used for each lighting function, then distinct beam patterns can be provided, but the overall size and complexity of the headlamp increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single reflecting surface is designed to serve multiple lighting functions by selectively illuminating different surface areas with multiple light sources. The same reflecting surface generates different beam patterns (high beam, low beam, fog light, daytime running light) depending on which light sources are activated, eliminating the need for separate reflectors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting surface is divided into multiple distinct surface areas, each optimized for specific beam patterns. By controlling which light sources illuminate which surface areas, the system can selectively activate different functional zones of the reflector to produce the desired lighting mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting functions are added to meet safety regulations, then vehicle safety improves, but the available space in the headlamp assembly is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple lighting functions (high beam, low beam, fog light, daytime running light) within a single compact headlamp assembly by using one reflecting surface with multiple controllable light sources. This universal approach allows four distinct lighting functions to coexist in limited space without requiring separate reflector assemblies for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lighting functions that would traditionally require separate physical assemblies are merged into a single integrated headlamp unit. The reflecting surface combines the optical functions of multiple reflectors, and the light sources can be independently controlled to provide different lighting modes from a unified structure.
3Device complexity
If a single reflecting surface is used for multiple beam patterns, then the overall size is reduced, but the manufacturing precision required for the reflecting surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting surface is designed with distinct surface areas that can be selectively illuminated. Each surface area is optimized for specific beam patterns, allowing the complex overall shape to be broken down into manageable functional zones that can be manufactured with standard precision while achieving multiple beam patterns through selective activation.
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 provision of multiple beam patterns with reduced overall size, allowing for efficient and compact integration in vehicle headlamps, enhancing safety and design by independently controlling light sources to generate desired beam patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting surface (2) with a reflectivity of at least 75 % for providing an output beam of light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
A lighting unit (1) is provided with a reflecting surface (2,2',2'') for providing an output beam of light with at least two beam patterns. A first light source (5) and a second light source (7) are arranged to illuminate substantially identical surface areas of said reflecting surface (2,2',2'') and are independently controllable from each other. The reflecting surface (2,2',2'') is shaped and said light sources (5,7) are positioned relative to said reflecting surface (2,2',2'') so that said first light source (5) generates an output beam of light, having a first beam pattern and said at least second light source (7) generates an output beam of light, having a second beam pattern, different from said first beam pattern. A corresponding vehicle headlamp (10) comprises at least one lighting unit (1).