Headlamp Aim Measurement Board with Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the aim of vehicle headlamps are limited in their ability to accurately measure light intensity across the entire illumination area and require multiple pre-established standards for different headlamp types, making it difficult to determine the optical prescription and detect hot spots.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a board with a track system and an array of photo sensors positioned between baffles, which travels across the board to measure light intensity and orientation, connected to a control unit that records and analyzes data to determine the beam pattern and aim point of the headlamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a comparison method with pre-established standards is used for each headlamp type, then the aim checking can be performed for specific headlamp types, but the system complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal measurement board with a standardized coordinate system that can accommodate multiple headlamp types and vehicle models. Instead of requiring separate comparison standards for each headlamp type, the system uses a single board with universal markings and a camera-based measurement system that can adapt to different headlamp configurations through software programming, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters dynamically by programming the camera to capture images at specific coordinates and angles defined by the universal board's coordinate system. The measurement parameters (such as beam pattern thresholds, aim point coordinates, and evaluation criteria) can be adjusted through software for different headlamp types, eliminating the need for multiple physical comparison standards
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-established standards are used for different headlamp types, then each type can be checked according to its specific requirements, but the quantity of standards and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement board serves as a universal standard that can be used for all headlamp types and vehicle models. The board features a standardized coordinate system and marking patterns that work with any headlamp configuration, eliminating the need to maintain multiple separate comparison standards for different headlamp types
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the beam pattern through camera imaging and software processing. Instead of requiring physical comparison standards for each headlamp type, the system captures the actual beam pattern, processes it through software algorithms, and compares it against programmable reference patterns, thereby reducing the quantity of physical standards needed
3Measurement precision
If a comparison system is used to detect hot spots, then aim checking can be performed, but the ability to record and analyze complete light intensity data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a camera that captures the complete beam pattern and feeds this information to a computer for analysis. The software processes the captured image to generate quantitative light intensity data across the entire beam pattern, providing feedback that includes both hot spot detection and comprehensive illumination analysis, thereby preventing loss of information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or visual comparison methods with an optical-digital system. A camera captures the beam pattern, and computer software analyzes the captured image to extract quantitative light intensity data. This substitution enables complete data recording and analysis, transforming qualitative visual inspection into quantitative digital measurement without losing information
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 flexible and accurate measurement of light intensity and aim for various headlamp types, providing a comprehensive picture of the illumination pattern and allowing for precise aiming and auditing of headlamps.
Implementation Method 1
An array including a plurality of photo sensors positioned between a plurality of baffles is positioned adjacent the board or panel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for measuring the aim of vehicle headlamps including measuring the light intensity of a light beam emitted by a vehicle headlamp to check the aim of the vehicle headlamp. The apparatus includes a linear photosensitive array having a plurality of individual photo sensors positioned between a plurality of baffles. The array is movably mounted to a frame whereby it can be positioned at predetermined locations to measure light beam intensity and correspondingly determine the beam pattern and aim point of a headlamp.