Vehicle Headlamp Light Beam Switching via Speed Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor vehicle headlamp systems lack automatic switching capabilities between different light beam configurations, leading to potential driver destabilization and safety issues due to manual selection of Advanced Frontlighting System (AFS) functions, which are not compatible with the vehicle's environment.

Innovation Solution

Automate the switching of light beams based on the vehicle's instantaneous speed, comparing it with predefined thresholds to determine the driving conditions and adjust the light beam configuration accordingly, ensuring seamless transitions between conventional and AFS modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching between different light beam configurations is implemented, then the driver can select from multiple AFS functions, but driver destabilization and safety issues occur due to selection errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight beam configuration optionsVSAvoiddriving safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The headlamp control device automatically detects vehicle speed and selects the appropriate light beam configuration without driver intervention. The system serves itself by using speed threshold comparisons to autonomously switch between conventional and AFS light beam modes, eliminating manual selection errors while maintaining adaptability across different driving conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors vehicle speed and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the light beam configuration. By comparing instantaneous speed against predefined thresholds, the control device receives real-time feedback about driving conditions and automatically selects the most appropriate light beam mode, ensuring safety and adaptability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automatic switching based on vehicle speed is implemented, then switching errors are reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves automatic switching by monitoring changes in the vehicle speed parameter. When the instantaneous speed crosses predefined thresholds, the control device automatically transitions between light beam configurations. This approach maintains high switching accuracy while avoiding the need for complex environmental sensors or multiple detection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The headlamp control device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it monitors vehicle speed, compares it against thresholds, determines driving conditions, and controls light beam switching all through one control device. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function

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

Data Source

PatentEP1780079B1Light beam switching method
Publication Date: 2011.12.21 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP1780079B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The method involves measuring a spot speed of a motor vehicle, and comparing the spot speed with a threshold value to determine whether the vehicle is moving in a town or on a motorway. A light beam switching is automatically performed for passing from one light beam to another light beam if the spot speed exceeds the threshold value, where the threshold value is equal to forty kilometers per hour.