Vehicle Headlamp Dual Reflector Glare Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlights require precise adjustment of the light source and have a large structural depth, with the light source visible from the outside, leading to glare and inefficient design.

Innovation Solution

A headlight design featuring a reflector arrangement with a first reflector positioned in front of the light source and a second reflector with free-form components, including faceted elements, to generate a predetermined light distribution with a light/dark boundary, while shielding the light source and reducing glare, and incorporating a compact reflector module structure for improved ventilation and reduced depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional reflector arrangement with light source at the focal point is used, then a light/dark boundary can be created, but the light source becomes visible from the outside causing glare

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveglareVSAvoidreflector arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector arrangement is divided into multiple reflector modules, each with specific aperture sections. The first aperture section shields the light source from direct viewing angles while the second aperture section directs light toward the second reflector, segmenting the functions of light shielding and light distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first reflector acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the external environment. It redirects light from the light source toward the second reflector while simultaneously shielding the light source from direct observation, eliminating glare without requiring complex additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If precise adjustment of the light source is implemented, then light distribution accuracy is improved, but the adjustment complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source positioning precisionVSAvoidlight source adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adjusting the light source position to achieve proper light distribution, the invention inverts the approach by using fixed-position reflectors with specifically designed aperture sections and freeform surfaces that automatically guide light in the desired directions, eliminating the need for precise light source adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of the reflector surfaces (aperture section orientations, freeform surface geometries) rather than changing the light source position. This allows precise light distribution control through reflector geometry while maintaining easy manufacturing and assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If a conventional deep reflector arrangement is used, then sufficient space is provided for light reflection, but the installation depth becomes relatively large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation depthVSAvoidlight distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a conventional deep reflector design to a compact arrangement by utilizing angular redirection in multiple dimensions. The first reflector redirects light by approximately 90 degrees, and the second reflector with freeform surfaces further directs light in specific directions, achieving efficient light distribution in a shallow configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of freeform surface components on the second reflector allows light to be redirected along curved optical paths, enabling compact light distribution geometry that reduces the required installation depth while maintaining effective light control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Use of energy by moving object

If the light source is positioned at the focal point for optimal reflection, then light collection efficiency is improved, but heat convection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight collection efficiencyVSAvoidheat convection
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector arrangement is segmented into multiple modules with strategic aperture sections. The aperture sections create channels and pathways that allow air flow and heat convection around the light source while the reflector surfaces maintain their light-collecting function, separating the light optimization and thermal management functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables a space-saving, glare-reduced light distribution with a completely shielded light source, increased illuminance, and improved heat convection, allowing for higher power operation without lenses near the light source.

Implementation Method 1

the light emitted by the light source is deflected by 90° by means of the first reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

light incident on the reflector surface of the second reflector is reflected in such a way that a light distribution with a predetermined light/dark boundary is produced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The light emitted by the light source is thus scattered by the second reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

it is focused by the first reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 5

This improves heat convection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3966495B1Headlamp for vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP3966495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3966495B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a headlight for vehicles, comprising a light source (2) and comprising a reflector arrangement containing at least one reflector module having a first reflector (6) which has a reflector surface (7) that has a first focal point (f1) and a second focal point (f2), the light source (2) being arranged in the first focal point (f1), and having a second reflector (8) which has a reflector surface (9) that has a focal point coinciding with the second focal point (f2) of the first reflector (6), wherein: the first reflector (6) is arranged in front of the light source (2) in the main emission direction (H); the reflector surface (7) of the first reflector (6) is curved so as to have a first opening portion (22) arranged counter the main emission direction (H) and so as to have a second opening portion (23) arranged at a 90° offset with respect to the first opening portion (22) and facing towards the second reflector (8); and the reflector surface (9) of the second reflector (8) has free-form portions (18) such that light impinging on the reflector surface of the second reflector (9) is reflected in such a way that a light distribution having a predetermined light/dark boundary (17) is generated.