Vehicle Headlight With Common Micromirror Array

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current headlight systems are complex and expensive, with high material and manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple micromirror arrays and lenses to achieve various light functions like high beam, low beam, and cornering lights, while also requiring complex control systems for dynamic light image generation.

Innovation Solution

A headlight design featuring at least two light sources with their beams directed onto a common micromirror array, utilizing two superimposed areas of imaging optics with different refractive powers to generate multiple light functions with a single micromirror array and imaging optics, simplifying construction and reducing costs by allowing easier cooling and more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple micromirror arrays and lenses are used to achieve various light functions, then the light function versatility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight function versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single micromirror array that performs multiple light functions (high beam, low beam, cornering lights) by dynamically controlling different regions of the array. The control system activates specific micromirror segments to generate different light patterns, eliminating the need for separate optical components for each function and achieving multi-functionality through software-controlled regional activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The micromirror array is divided into multiple controllable regions that can be independently activated. By segmenting the array into different zones and controlling them separately, the system can generate various light functions using only one physical array, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple micromirror arrays and lenses are used to achieve various light functions, then the light function versatility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight function versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple light functions into a single integrated micromirror array system. Instead of manufacturing separate arrays and lenses for each light function, the invention merges all functions into one device with regional control capabilities, significantly reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional lenses are used as imaging optics, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to distinguish areas of different refractive power is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidrefractive power differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the local quality principle by creating different refractive power zones within the imaging optics that correspond to different regions of the micromirror array. Each region of the optics is designed with specific refractive properties tailored to the light patterns generated by its corresponding micromirror segment, enabling precise control over light distribution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular optical design.

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

This design enables cost-effective and space-saving headlight production with enhanced design freedom for light images, allowing multiple light functions to be realized with a single micromirror array and imaging optics, while maintaining high resolution and adaptability to traffic conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the light bundle structured by this and reflected is projected as a light image into the traffic space via the imaging optics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

two superimposed areas of imaging optics with different refractive powers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3420269B1Headlight for vehicles

Publication Date: 2019.10.23 ZKW GRP GMBH

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AI summary

A headlight for vehicles, having at least one light source (1A, 1B) and lighting optics which are assigned thereto and have a micromirror array (7) and imaging optics (9), wherein the light source and the micromirror array are assigned a central computing unit (4) with a light source actuation means (3) and an array actuation means (12), the shaped light beams (2A, 2B) of the at least one light source are directed onto the micromirror array and the reflected composite light beam which is structured by said micromirror array is projected into the traffic space as a light pattern (10) via the imaging optics, wherein at least two light sources (1A, 1B) are provided, the light beams of which are directed onto a micromirror array (7) which is common to the light sources, and the composite light beam which is reflected by said micromirror array (7) is assigned at least two regions (9kA, 9kB) of imaging optics (9).