Vehicle Headlamp Optical Axis Switching for Wide Horizontal View
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for a vehicle headlamp that can provide a wide view in the horizontal direction without compromising the appearance of the vehicle, as existing solutions that adjust the optical axis of additional light source units can make the vehicle's appearance unnatural when the orientation of multiple light source units is not uniform.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headlamp with a first light source unit for forming a high-beam light distribution pattern and a second light source unit for forming an additional light distribution pattern, where the second light source unit's optical axis can be switched between a parallel posture and a deviated posture based on vehicle speed, using a posture switching mechanism controlled by a controller to maintain appearance and secure a wide view when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the optical axis of the additional light source unit is deviated from the front of the vehicle in the horizontal direction, then a wide view in the horizontal direction at a distance is secured, but the appearance of the vehicle becomes unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical axis orientation of the additional light source unit adjustable rather than fixed. The orientation adjusting mechanism allows the optical axis to be changed between a first orientation (deviated from the front in the horizontal direction) and a second orientation (parallel to the front). This enables the system to adapt its illumination pattern dynamically based on driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between achieving wide horizontal view and maintaining natural vehicle appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the orientation parameter of the additional light source unit's optical axis. By adjusting the orientation from a deviated state to a parallel state with the vehicle front, the system can modify its illumination characteristics without changing the physical structure or appearance of the vehicle, thus resolving the contradiction between wide view coverage and aesthetic consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light source units with different orientations are mounted, then a wide view in the horizontal direction is achieved, but the orientation uniformity deteriorates making the appearance unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the additional light source unit to dynamically adjust its orientation to match the main light source unit. The orientation adjusting mechanism allows the system to transition from a static multi-orientation configuration to a dynamic configuration where orientations can be unified when needed, thus maintaining both adaptability for wide view coverage and stability for orientation uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the additional light source unit with multi-functionality: it can operate in both a deviated orientation mode (providing wide horizontal view) and a parallel orientation mode (maintaining uniformity with the main light source). This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve both wide view coverage and orientation uniformity depending on operational requirements.
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 solution allows for a wide view in the horizontal direction at a distance without spoiling the vehicle's appearance by adjusting the second light source unit's posture according to vehicle speed, ensuring optimal visibility and aesthetic consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a first projection lens that emits light from the first light source to a front of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a reflector that reflects light from the second light source
Implementation Method 3
a second projection lens that emits the light reflected by the reflector to the front of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle headlamp includes: a first light source unit that forms at least a high-beam light distribution pattern; a second light source unit that forms an additional light distribution pattern and irradiates light with a luminous intensity higher than that of the first light source unit; a posture switching mechanism that switches between a first posture in which an optical axis of the second light source unit is parallel to an optical axis of the first light source unit and a second posture in which the optical axis of the second light source unit is deviated in the horizontal direction by a predetermined angle from the optical axis of the first light source unit; and a controller that controls an ON/OFF state of the second light source unit and an operation state of the posture switching mechanism according to a vehicle speed acquired from a vehicle.