Vehicle Headlamp Reflector Segmentation for Arbitrary Light Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle headlamps can only obtain the light distribution pattern for DTL (auxiliary light distribution pattern) in a state where the light distribution pattern for cruising is scattered, limiting the design flexibility and utilization of light distribution patterns.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle headlamp design featuring a first lamp unit with a semiconductor-type light source, a reflector having multiple reflection surfaces, and a movable shade to switch between positions, allowing for the emission of arbitrary auxiliary light distribution patterns, including lateral and spot patterns, and effectively utilizing light for high beam and low beam patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional scattering lens design is used, then the light distribution pattern for DTL can be obtained, but the design freedom for auxiliary light distribution patterns is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedom for auxiliary light distribution patternsVSAvoidcomplexity of light distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is divided into multiple independent reflection surfaces (first reflection surface, second reflection surface, third reflection surface) that can independently control different light distribution patterns. Each reflection surface can be designed with different geometries to produce different auxiliary light distribution patterns, providing design freedom without requiring additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A movable shade is introduced that can switch between a first location and a second location to dynamically control which reflection surfaces receive light from the semiconductor-type light source. This dynamic switching mechanism enables the system to produce different auxiliary light distribution patterns on demand, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If the first reflection surface is positioned inside the vehicle, then the structure is compact, but the lateral light distribution pattern is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral light distributionVSAvoidspace occupied by reflection surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first reflection surface is positioned outside the vehicle body, utilizing the external space dimension. This allows the reflection surface to be located where it does not block the lateral light distribution path, while still being integrated into the headlamp assembly. The external positioning resolves the conflict between compact internal structure and effective lateral illumination.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If only one reflection surface is used, then the device is simple, but multiple auxiliary light distribution patterns cannot be produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of auxiliary light distribution patternsVSAvoidnumber of reflection surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple reflection surfaces share the common function of reflecting light from the semiconductor-type light source, but each surface is designed with different geometries to produce different auxiliary light distribution patterns. This multi-functionality approach allows a single light source to control multiple reflection surfaces that collectively provide various light distribution patterns, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

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

Enables the design of arbitrary auxiliary light distribution patterns, improves light distribution design freedom, and optimizes lateral light distribution patterns by positioning the first reflection surface outside the vehicle, effectively utilizing light from the semiconductor-type light source without being shaded.

Implementation Method 1

the first reflection surface being adapted to reflect and emit incident light from among beams of the light from the semiconductor-type light source as the auxiliary light distribution pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the second reflection surface being adapted to reflect and emit incident light from among beams of the light from the semiconductor-type light source as the light distribution pattern for high beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a shade that is disposed to be movable between a first location and a second location, and that is adapted to shade a fraction of light from the semiconductor-type light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2551580B1Vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 ICHIKOH IND LTD
  • EP2551580B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2551580B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2551580B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is provided with a first lamp unit 4 and a second lamp unit 5. The first lamp unit 4 is provided with a semiconductor-type light source 14, a reflector 15, a shade 16, and a driving mechanism 17. The reflector 15 has a first reflection surface 21 and a second reflection surface 22. The first reflection surface 21 is adapted to emit lateral light distribution patterns CPL and CPR. The second reflection surface 22 is adapted to emit a light distribution pattern HP for high beam. As a result, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to obtain an arbitrary auxiliary light distribution pattern, such as a light distortion pattern for spot or a light distribution pattern for scattering other than the lateral light distribution patterns CPL and CPR.