Vehicle Headlamp Recessed Reflection Surface Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle headlamps of the projector type face challenges in distributing light uniformly to a predetermined point for overhead signs, leading to inadequate visibility and traffic safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle headlamp employs recessed reflection surfaces to control light distribution, with varying areas and positions of these surfaces to ensure that light is spread transversely and uniformly across the overhead sign area, utilizing reflection light effectively to form a uniform brightness pattern.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light is distributed to a predetermined point for overhead signs, then visibility of overhead signs is improved, but light distribution becomes concentrated and transverse spread is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of overhead signVSAvoidtransverse spread of light
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shade is divided into multiple window portions (first window portion, second window portion, third window portion) with different orientations and positions. Each window portion reflects light through different recessed reflection surfaces to create distinct light distribution regions, enabling both transverse spread and concentrated illumination at predetermined points for overhead signs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the shade have different functional properties: the first window portion directs light to the opposite lane side, the second window portion directs light to the cruising lane side, and the third window portion creates a central connecting portion. Each region's specific orientation and position create localized light distribution characteristics that collectively achieve the overall technical goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If light is transversely spread for overhead sign visibility, then coverage area is improved, but light concentration at predetermined points is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse spread of lightVSAvoidbrightness at predetermined point
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The shade is segmented into multiple window portions that each contribute to different aspects of light distribution. The first window portion provides transverse spread to the opposite lane side, the second window portion provides transverse spread to the cruising lane side, and the third window portion creates central connection, collectively achieving both wide coverage and concentrated illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the light distribution functions of multiple window portions and recessed reflection surfaces to achieve a unified light distribution pattern that simultaneously provides transverse spread and concentrated illumination at predetermined points for overhead signs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple recessed reflection surfaces are used to control light distribution, then light distribution precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution control precisionVSAvoidstructure of reflection member
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first recessed reflection surface, second recessed reflection surface, and third recessed reflection surface are integrated into a single reflection member structure. This merging of multiple functional surfaces into one component achieves precise light distribution control while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate reflection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflection member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects light from the first window portion to the opposite lane side, reflects light from the second window portion to the cruising lane side, and reflects light from the third window portion to create the central connecting portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each light distribution task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances the visibility of overhead signs by ensuring a transversely spread light distribution pattern, improving traffic safety by maintaining uniform brightness and effectively utilizing reflection light.

Implementation Method 1

part of the remaining reflection light having passed through the shade is reflected on a light reception face for overhead sign to thereby form a light distribution pattern for overhead sign

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a light distribution pattern having cutoff lines is formed by means of the remaining reflection light having passed through the shade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2522899B1Vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 ICHIKOH IND LTD
  • EP2522899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2522899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2522899B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to control light distribution in a vehicle headlamp (1) of projection type so that light is distributed to a predetermined point while a light distribution pattern for overhead is transversely spread. The present invention includes a discharge lamp (2), a reflector (3), a projection lens (4), a shade (5), and a reflection member (6). At a window portion (12) of the shade, edges (13, 14, 15) are provided for forming cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3. The reflection member (6) is disposed between the projection lens (4) and the shade (5). At the reflection member (6), recessed reflection surfaces (19, 20, 21) are provided for transversely spreading a light distribution pattern OSP for overhead sign. As a result, the present invention is capable of controlling light distribution so that light is distributed to a predetermined point in a state in which the light distribution pattern OSP for overhead sign is transversely spread.