Vehicle Headlamp Single Light Source Compound Reflector

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headlamp devices for vehicles require two light sources to switch between low-beam and high-beam modes, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A headlamp device design featuring a single light emitting unit, a compound reflector unit with two reflectors, and a blocking board with a board groove, allowing the device to switch between low-beam and high-beam modes by adjusting the position of the blocking board, thereby utilizing the same light source for both modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If two light sources are used to switch between low-beam and high-beam modes, then the illumination requirements for both modes can be met, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate light sources into a single light source that serves both low-beam and high-beam functions. The single light source is positioned at the common focal point of two elliptical reflectors, eliminating the need for separate light sources while meeting illumination requirements for both modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single light source is designed to perform multiple functions by working with different reflector configurations. The same light source generates both low-beam and high-beam illumination patterns depending on which reflector is active, achieving universal functionality with a single component.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If two light sources are used to achieve low-beam and high-beam modes, then the illumination patterns can be controlled, but the number of components and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two light sources into one, reducing the total component count. The single light source is strategically positioned to work with either the first or second elliptical reflector, maintaining mode switching capability while simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking board acts as an intermediary component that enables mode switching without requiring separate light sources. By selectively blocking light paths and directing illumination to different reflectors, the blocking board mediates between the single light source and the two operational modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single light source is used with a compound reflector unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but controlling light distribution and avoiding glare becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidblinding and glare effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reflection path into two distinct elliptical reflectors, each optimized for specific beam patterns. The first elliptical reflector handles low-beam illumination while the second handles high-beam illumination, with a blocking board that segments and directs light paths to prevent glare and blinding effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts potential harmful glare into beneficial directed illumination. The blocking board strategically positioned at the focal point blocks direct glare paths while reflecting and redirecting light through the appropriate elliptical reflector to achieve the desired beam pattern, turning potential harm into benefit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Device complexity

If a single light source is used with a compound reflector unit, then the cost and maintenance are reduced, but precise light focusing and positioning become more critical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlight focusing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing each elliptical reflector with specific geometric properties optimized for its function. The first elliptical reflector has focal points positioned for low-beam configuration, while the second has focal points for high-beam configuration. The blocking board is precisely positioned at the common focal point to achieve accurate light distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes in the form of geometric configuration. By changing the position of the blocking board and selecting which reflector is active, the system changes optical parameters to achieve different beam patterns. The elliptical geometry parameters are specifically chosen to focus light precisely at required locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances light focusing, reduces blinding and glare effects, and meets regulatory illumination requirements without the need for a second light source, achieving efficient and adjustable light distribution for both low-beam and high-beam modes.

Implementation Method 1

a compound reflector unit (5), comprising a first reflector (51) and a second reflector (52)... When the light emitting unit generates light beams, a portion of the light beams are reflected by the reflecting surface of the first reflector (511) and another portion of the light beams are reflected by the reflecting surface of the second reflector (521)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a lens (4)... has a light-incident surface (41), a light-emergent surface (42) and a lens focal point (43)... The lens focal point (43) is located at one side of the light-incident surface (41) opposite to the light-emergent surface (42) and is located on the optical axis (A)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4050251B1Headlamp device for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 HUA XIN OPTRONICS CO
  • EP4050251B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4050251B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4050251B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A headlamp device includes a blocking board (7), a compound reflector unit (5) that includes a first reflector (51) and a second reflector (52), a lens (4) that has a light-incident surface (41) and a light-emergent surface (42), and a light emitting unit (6). When the light emitting unit (6) generates light beams, a portion of the light beams are reflected by the first reflector (51), and another portion of the light beams are reflected by the second reflector (52). The blocking board (7) blocks some of the light beams reflected by the compound reflector unit (5) such that the remaining light beams travel into the lens (4) through the light-incident surface (41) and exit the lens (4) through the light-emergent surface (42) to serve as low beam light rays.