Vehicular Headlamp Single Lens Separating Wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicular headlamps with separate fixed and variable light distribution units arranged side by side lead to upsizing issues, and integrating them with a single lens complicates light distribution due to interference between light paths.

Innovation Solution

A vehicular headlamp design that integrates the first and second light distribution portions with a micro electro mechanical system mirror and a single lens, using a separating wall to shield light and prevent interference, allowing for appropriate light distribution while restraining upsizing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fixed light distribution unit and the variable light distribution unit are arranged side by side, then light distribution can be performed in each unit, but the headlamp size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution performanceVSAvoidheadlamp size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fixed light distribution unit and variable light distribution unit into a single integrated headlamp assembly, sharing common components including a single lens, holding member, and housing. This merging approach maintains separate light distribution functions while reducing overall headlamp volume by eliminating duplicate structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the fixed light distribution unit and the variable light distribution unit are integrated with a single lens, then headlamp size is reduced, but light paths interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadlamp sizeVSAvoidlight distribution accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the internal space of the single lens into distinct optical paths for the fixed and variable light distribution units. By providing separate light transmission paths within the integrated lens structure, each unit's light can be directed independently without interference, maintaining light distribution accuracy while benefiting from the compact integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate optical elements and structural features within the single lens that act as mediators to separate and guide light from the fixed and variable units along distinct paths. These intermediary structures ensure that light from each unit reaches its intended destination without cross-interference, enabling successful integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single lens is used for both light distribution units, then manufacturing is simplified, but light from one unit may pass through the wrong portion of the lens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens manufacturingVSAvoidlight path control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality differentiation within the single lens by creating distinct optical zones or regions with different optical properties or geometries tailored to each light distribution unit's requirements. This allows the lens to be manufactured as a single piece while incorporating localized features that ensure light from each unit passes through the appropriate portion, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and precise light path control.

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 design effectively prevents light interference between the fixed and variable light distribution units, enabling appropriate light distribution and reducing the headlamp's size, thus addressing the upsizing issue while maintaining effective illumination patterns.

Implementation Method 1

a second light distribution portion including a second light source and an micro electro mechanical system mirror, the second light distribution portion being configured to distribute light toward the vehicle front side with a predetermined light distribution pattern by reflecting, by the micro electro mechanical system mirror, light projected by the second light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the first lens portion being constituting a vehicle-front-side portion of the first light distribution portion and configured such that the light projected by the first light source is passed through the first lens portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

the second lens portion being constituting a vehicle-front-side portion of the second light distribution portion and configured such that the light reflected by the micro electro mechanical system mirror is passed through the second lens portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3168526B1Vehicular headlamp
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3168526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3168526B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3168526B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicular headlamp includes: a first light distribution portion (16A) including a first light source (22); a second light distribution portion (16B) including a second light source (24) and an micro electro mechanical system mirror (30); a holding member (18) configured to hold the first light source (22), the second light source (24), and the micro electro mechanical system mirror (30); a single lens (32) including a first lens portion (32A) and a second lens portion (32B); and a separating wall (20) formed in the holding member (18) so as to protrude toward the vehicle front side relative to the holding member (18), the separating wall (20) being configured to separate a region between the first lens portion (32A) and the holding member (18) from a region between the second lens portion (32B) and the holding member (18).