Vehicle Headlight Lens Layout for LED Matrix Road Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlight technologies face challenges in designing a lens arrangement that effectively images a segmented light source, such as an LED matrix, to achieve both illumination and information projection tasks, particularly in adaptive high beam systems.

Innovation Solution

A lens arrangement comprising a first input lens, a second middle lens, at least one third middle lens, and a front lens, where the second and third middle lenses are strategically positioned in the light path to optimize imaging of the illumination matrix, enabling precise control over illumination patterns and information projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a segmented light source is imaged on the road using a lens arrangement, then illumination task and information projection task can be fulfilled, but the lens arrangement design becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual function of illumination and information projectionVSAvoidlens arrangement design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single lens arrangement that simultaneously performs both illumination and information projection tasks. The lens system is configured to image the segmented light source (LED pixels) onto the road, enabling the same optical path to serve dual purposes: providing adaptive high beam illumination and projecting information symbols, thereby eliminating the need for separate optical systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes segmentation by employing a segmented light source consisting of individually controllable LED pixels arranged in a matrix. Each pixel can be independently activated or deactivated to create specific illumination patterns and information symbols. This segmentation allows the system to flexibly switch between different functions (illumination vs. information projection) by controlling specific pixel groups, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to using completely separate optical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the lens arrangement is designed to image the segmented light source precisely, then information projection accuracy improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation projection accuracyVSAvoidlens arrangement fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the segmented LED light source matrix - that serves as a controllable interface between the optical system and the information to be projected. By using individually addressable LED pixels as the light source, the system can achieve precise information projection through electronic control of pixel activation patterns, rather than relying solely on precise mechanical positioning of optical components. This intermediary approach converts manufacturing precision requirements into more manageable electronic control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple lenses are used in the lens arrangement, then imaging quality improves, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidnumber of lens components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple lens functions into a single integrated lens arrangement. Rather than using separate lenses for different optical functions (collimation, focusing, projection), the system integrates these functions into one consolidated lens assembly that performs all necessary optical transformations. This merging reduces the total number of discrete optical components while maintaining the required imaging quality for both illumination and information projection tasks.

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

The proposed lens arrangement enables efficient imaging of the illumination matrix, allowing for adaptive and situation-dependent illumination, as well as precise projection of information onto the road, thereby enhancing the functionality of vehicle headlights in various driving conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a lens arrangement (50) comprising a first lens (60), a second lens (70), at least one third lens (80) and a front lens (90)... each have a positive refractive power for converging the light rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12344159B2Vehicle headlight

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 DOCTER OPTICS SE

AI summary

The invention relates, inter alia, to a vehicle headlight having a lens arrangement, wherein the lens arrangement includes a first lens (input lens), a second lens (first middle lens), at least a third lens (second middle lens), and a front lens, wherein the second lens (first middle lens) is arranged in the light path between the first lens (input lens) and the front lens, and wherein the at least third lens (second middle lens) is arranged in the light path between the second lens (first middle lens) and the front lens.