Vehicle Headlamp MEMS Mirror Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headlamp designs for vehicles face challenges in maintaining a compact size and aesthetic integrity due to the integration of obstacle detection systems, which can lead to increased width and potential dazzling issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a MEMS mirror system that reflects visible light and detection light at different angles, combined with a turnback reflection mirror and condensing lens, allows for a compact design while preventing visible light leakage and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a visible light source and a detection light source are provided side by side in a headlamp unit, then the detection function is improved, but the headlamp unit size in the vehicle width direction increases and external appearance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visible light source and detection light source into a single headlamp unit, integrating both illumination and obstacle detection functions in one compact structure, thereby avoiding the need for separate detectors that would increase vehicle width
Solution Approach 2:
The headlamp unit serves multiple functions: it provides visible illumination for driving while simultaneously housing the detection light source and light receiving element for obstacle detection, making the headlamp a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for additional width
2Device complexity
If the visible light source and detection light source are both disposed at the upper side of the MEMS mirror, then the structure is simplified, but visible light may leak to the front side causing dazzling of oncoming vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of light sources relative to the MEMS mirror, positioning the visible light source and detection light source at different vertical positions (above and below) rather than symmetrically on the same side, which enables different reflection angles that prevent visible light from leaking forward while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different functions: the visible light source is positioned to illuminate forward, while the detection light source is positioned and angled specifically for obstacle detection, with each light source optimized for its local function to prevent interference and light leakage
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 configuration reduces the headlamp unit's width, maintains vehicle aesthetics, and enhances safety by preventing dazzling and improving detection performance.
Implementation Method 1
the MEMS mirror disposed at the first angle reflects and irradiates the visible light for assuring the field of view at the front side of the vehicle toward the vehicle front side
Implementation Method 2
the MEMS mirror disposed at the second angle that is different from the first angle reflects and irradiates the detection light for detecting an obstacle toward the vehicle front side
Implementation Method 3
After reflected light is irradiated at and reflected by the MEMS mirror, the reflected light is further reflected by the turnback reflection mirror and irradiated onto the light receiving element
Implementation Method 4
The condensing lens that condenses the reflected light irradiated at the light receiving element is disposed between the turnback reflection mirror and the light receiving element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
There is provided a headlamp device (10) for a vehicle, including: a visible light source (30) that irradiates visible light to provide a field of view at a vehicle front side; a detection light source (40) that irradiates detection light that detects obstacles; a MEMS mirror (50) changeable between a first angle and a second angle that is different from the first angle, the MEMS mirror at the first angle reflecting visible light, irradiated from the visible light source, toward the vehicle front side, and the MEMS mirror at the second angle reflecting detection light, irradiated from the detection light source, toward the vehicle front side; and a light receiving element (44) that receives reflected light that has reached and been reflected by an obstacle.