Vehicle Headlamp Shifting Element Multi-Focus Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current headlamp systems for vehicles cannot effectively project a sharp signature or pattern at multiple distances ahead without requiring an additional optical system, which is often impractical for automotive applications.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a shifting element that adjusts the emission positions of light sources within an LED matrix array, allowing the same optical system to focus light sources at different distances, enabling sharp projection of patterns or signatures at various distances without additional optical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a single projection lens is used for far-field illumination, then the main lighting function is achieved, but sharp projection at near distances cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefar-field illuminationVSAvoidnear-field projection sharpness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The LED array is segmented into different groups (first light sources and second light sources) with different optical paths. First light sources use shifting elements to project at near distances, while second light sources project at far distances, allowing both near and far field projections to be sharp simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Shifting elements are introduced as intermediary optical components between the first light sources and the projection lens. These shifting elements relocate the emission positions of light, enabling the projection lens to form sharp images at near distances without compromising far-field illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an additional projection system is added for near-distance projection, then sharp signature projection at multiple distances is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-distance projection capabilityVSAvoidoptical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection lens serves multiple functions: it projects both near-distance signatures and far-field illumination using light from different LED groups. The shifting elements enable the same optical system to handle multiple projection distances, eliminating the need for separate projection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the near-distance projection function and far-field illumination function into a single integrated optical system. By combining shifting elements with the existing projection lens and using different LED groups, both functions are achieved without requiring additional separate optical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If additional optical components are added for multi-focus projection, then multiple-distance sharp projection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and thermal management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection sharpness at multiple distancesVSAvoidmanufacturability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the LED array are assigned different functions: first light sources are equipped with shifting elements for near-distance projection, while second light sources are used for far-field illumination. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its performance for its specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 simultaneous projection of main illumination and sharp signatures or patterns at multiple distances using a single optical system, improving manufacturability and thermal management by eliminating the need for extra optical devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least one shifting element is arranged in front of said first light sources, said shifting element generating real or virtual emission positions of the light of said first light sources shifted towards or away from said projecting optical system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction and virtual image formation: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10948148B2Lighting device with multiple-focus mode

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 LUMILEDS SINGAPORE PTE LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lighting device, in particular a headlamp for vehicles, at least comprising an array of light sources, consisting of first and second light sources being mounted within the same flat or curved plane, and a projecting optical system arranged to project light emitted by the light sources in a forward direction of the lighting device. At least one shifting element is arranged in front of said first light sources. The shifting element generates real or virtual emission positions of the light of said first light sources shifted towards or away from the projecting optical system with respect to emission positions of said second light sources. With the proposed lighting device, in addition to the main lighting function of illumination, a pattern or signature can be projected at one or several additional image planes. The lighting device thus e.g. allows the additional projection of branding or safety patterns.