Vehicle Headlamp Micro-Lens Array Light Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle headlamps face limitations in light diffusion, making it difficult to achieve a wider angle of visibility.
Innovation Solution
A micro-lens array is applied to the headlamp, comprising a light incident plate with first microlenses and a light exit plate with second microlenses of different shapes, which refract and diffuse light to increase the diffusion angle, enhancing visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional headlamp structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light diffusion angle is limited and visibility is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The optical unit is segmented into multiple functional layers: a light source unit, a micro-lens array unit with incident and exit plates, and a shield unit. Each layer performs a specific optical function, allowing the system to achieve wide light diffusion through the micro-lens array while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-lens array acts as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the shield. It refracts and diffuses light in multiple directions, enabling wide-angle illumination without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The micro-lens array mediates the transformation from directional light emission to omnidirectional light distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If the micro-lens array uses different shaped microlenses, then light diffusion performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different shaped microlenses are strategically placed in different regions of the micro-lens array. First microlenses in the incident plate have a first shape optimized for light entry, while second microlenses in the exit plate have a second shape optimized for light exit and diffusion. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlenses are designed with asymmetric shapes rather than uniform spherical forms. The first microlenses and second microlenses have different geometric configurations tailored to their respective positions in the optical path. This asymmetry enables optimized light control in different directions, improving overall light diffusion effectiveness.
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 micro-lens array significantly increases the diffusion angle of light, resulting in a wider angle of visibility and improved illumination, particularly by diffusing lateral light effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a light incident plate having a number of first microlenses on a light incident surface facing the optical unit, the first microlenses refracting the light having passed through the optical unit forward
Implementation Method 2
a light exit plate having a number of second microlenses on a light exit surface opposing the light incident surface, the second microlenses diffusing the light having passed through the first microlenses
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a headlamp for a vehicle, including: a light source producing light; an optical unit provided in front of the light source, and producing a high beam or a low beam by partially blocking or not blocking the light emitted from the light source; and a micro-lens array provided in front of the optical unit and diffusing the light having passed through the optical unit, wherein the micro-lens array includes: a light incident plate having a number of first microlenses on a light incident surface facing the optical unit, the first microlenses refracting the light having passed through the optical unit forward; and a light exit plate having a number of second microlenses on a light exit surface opposing the light incident surface, the second microlenses diffusing the light having passed through the first microlenses, and the first microlenses and the second microlenses have different shapes.