Vehicle Headlight Beam Orientation Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current headlight adjustment systems are inadequate for ensuring accurate orientation and intensity measurement, particularly with the introduction of new regulations requiring precise vertical and horizontal adjustments, and are often prone to human error and high costs, making them unsuitable for periodic inspections and repairs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a measurement unit on a height-adjustable support, featuring an optical system that projects the headlight beam onto a vertical plate with linear series of photosensitive cells, allowing for precise measurement of the beam's angle and intensity, and an infrared sensor to determine the headlight's height, enabling automated and accurate adjustments without requiring operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If visual systems with graduation on projection screen or manual angle measurement are used, then the system can comply with new regulations, but the measurement precision is reduced due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual measurement systems with an automated optical detection system using photosensitive cells. The system uses a projection screen with graduated markings that are detected by photosensitive cells, automatically calculating the beam orientation angle without human intervention, thus eliminating human error while maintaining regulatory compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically detecting the position of light spots on the projection screen using photosensitive cells. The device autonomously calculates the beam orientation parameters and provides measurement results without requiring operator intervention, ensuring consistent precision across all measurements
2Ease of operation
If regoscope systems with fixed limit markers are used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to new regulations requiring variable beam orientation based on headlight height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed marker system into a dynamic measurement system. Instead of fixed limit markers, the system uses a projection screen with graduated markings and photosensitive cells that can detect any beam orientation angle. The measurement range and reference values can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific vehicle type and headlight height, allowing the same device to comply with new regulations across all vehicle categories
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change of measurement parameters based on vehicle type. The projection screen displays graduated markings that can be calibrated to show appropriate reference values for different vehicle categories. The photosensitive cells detect the actual beam position, and the system automatically compares it with the appropriate reference values stored in memory, enabling adaptation to various vehicle types without changing the physical device structure
3Measurement precision
If camera-based image processing systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex camera-based systems. Instead of using full image processing capabilities, the system uses a simplified optical projection method with photosensitive cells that directly detect light spot positions. This extraction of the core measurement principle maintains precision while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost by eliminating computers, complex image processing algorithms, and associated infrastructure
4Productivity
If automated measurement systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex automated measurement systems with a simpler optoelectronic system. The automation is achieved through direct optical projection and photosensitive cell detection, which naturally provides rapid, repeatable measurements without requiring complex control systems. The simplicity of the optical-mechanical design maintains low device complexity while delivering high productivity through automated measurement and adjustment assistance
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 device provides precise, quantitative measurements of headlight orientation and intensity, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, reducing human error, and enabling efficient, automated adjustments for various vehicle types, thus improving safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system able to transpose the beam emitted by the projector into a beam equivalent to 10 meters and to project it onto a substantially vertical plate
Implementation Method 2
an optical system able to transpose the beam emitted by the projector into a beam equivalent to 10 meters and to project it onto a substantially vertical plate
Implementation Method 3
said plate supporting at least one linear series of photosensitive cells arranged at different heights in the plane of the plate
Implementation Method 4
an infrared sensor to determine the headlight's height
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device has a measuring box (3) mounted on a support (4), where height of the support is adjustable. An optical system (5) transposes a light beam emitted by a projector (1) to a beam equivalent to 10 meters, where the optical system is projected on a plate (6) vertically placed in a base of the box. The plate supports photodiodes arranged at different heights in a plane of the plate, where the photodiodes are connected to a signal processing unit. An infrared sensor is fixed to the box, and measures the height of the projector with respect to the ground.