Vehicle Headlamp Light Distribution via Variable Optical Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlamps face challenges in reducing size and manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to switch light distribution patterns, as they require a shade and shade driving mechanism, which increases size and costs.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle headlamp design that varies the relative position of the light source body and optical component, such as a projection lens or reflecting mirror, to change the light distribution pattern without the need for a shade or shade driving mechanism, allowing for size reduction and cost savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a shade is disposed apart from the light source in the forward direction to form a predetermined light distribution pattern, then the light distribution pattern can be switched between high beam and low beam, but the length in the direction of the optical axis is increased, hindering size reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution pattern switchingVSAvoidlength in the direction of optical axis
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the shade component from the headlamp system. Instead of using a shade disposed apart from the light source, the patent uses a reflector with specific surface shapes (hyperbolic and parabolic surfaces) to directly control light distribution. This extraction removes the need for the shade and its driving mechanism, thereby reducing the length in the optical axis direction while maintaining the ability to switch between high beam and low beam patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical shade driving mechanism with an optical solution. Instead of mechanically moving a shade to change light distribution patterns, the patent uses the geometric properties of reflector surfaces (hyperbolic and parabolic shapes) to control light reflection and achieve pattern switching. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components and reduces the overall size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a shade and shade driving mechanism are added to switch light distribution patterns, then high beam and low beam can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution pattern switchingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the shade and shade driving mechanism from the headlamp system. By using a reflector with specifically designed surface shapes, the patent achieves light distribution pattern switching without these components, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector in the invention serves multiple functions: it reflects light from the light source, controls the light distribution pattern, and enables switching between high beam and low beam modes through its specific surface geometry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shade components and their driving mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a shade and shade driving mechanism are added to switch light distribution patterns, then high beam and low beam can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution pattern switchingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the shade and shade driving mechanism, which are expensive components requiring precision manufacturing and assembly. By using a reflector with molded surface shapes, the patent reduces the number of parts and manufacturing steps, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining pattern switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of the shade and its driving mechanism into the reflector structure itself. The reflector's surface geometry directly controls light distribution, combining multiple functions into a single component that can be manufactured more efficiently, thus reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design enables the switching of light distribution patterns without the need for additional components, reducing the headlamp's size and manufacturing costs while maintaining effective light distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a projection lens 26 for projecting a light from the light source in a forward direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an optical component 26, 35 having a focal point and adapted to reflect or project the light from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2522897B1Vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 KOITO MFG CO LTD
  • EP2522897B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2522897B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2522897B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle headlamp (1) is provided with a light source body (13) and an optical component (26). The light source body (13) includes a planar light source (15) and a reflector (16). The optical component (26) has a focal point and is adapted to reflect or project the light from the planar light source (15). A relative position between the light source body (13) and the optical component (26) is variable so that the focal point of the optical component (26) moves between a first location on the reflector (16) and a second location on the planar light source (15).