Vehicle Headlight Light Guide Element Refractive Index Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlight devices are large due to the size of the reflecting mirror and light blocking plate required to form a predetermined light distribution pattern, making them inefficient in terms of space and light use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headlight device incorporating a light guide element with first and second light guide portions of different refractive indexes, where the light guide element guides light from a source to form a desired light distribution pattern, including a cutoff line, using a reflecting layer for efficient light radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a reflecting mirror and light blocking plate are used to form a predetermined light distribution pattern, then the light distribution pattern can be formed, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical optical system (reflecting mirror and light blocking plate) with a light guide element that uses optical waveguiding principles. The light guide element has a specific cross-sectional shape that inherently guides light to form the desired distribution pattern without requiring large rotating mechanical components, thus reducing device size while maintaining illumination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter by incorporating a reflecting layer with a refractive index different from the light guide element's core material. This parameter change enables total internal reflection at the interface, allowing the light guide element to effectively control light distribution without requiring large physical dimensions for traditional optical components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the reflecting mirror and light blocking plate are made large to receive spread light, then light reception is improved, but the drive unit and entire device become large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a complex drive unit by replacing the traditional mechanical system with a static light guide element. The light guide element's specific cross-sectional shape and refractive index distribution inherently control light reception and distribution without requiring rotation or movement, thus reducing device complexity while improving light reception efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide element performs the function of both light reception and light distribution control through its inherent structural design. The specific cross-sectional shape and refractive index profile enable the element to automatically guide and distribute light according to the desired pattern without requiring external drive mechanisms or additional components.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional reflecting mirror and light blocking plate are used, then light distribution pattern can be formed, but light use efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical optical system with a light guide element that uses total internal reflection based on refractive index differences. This substitution reduces light loss by eliminating the need for light to bounce off metallic reflecting surfaces and pass through light blocking plates, thereby improving light use efficiency while maintaining the desired distribution pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes light use efficiency by changing the refractive index parameter at the interface between the light guide element and the reflecting layer. This parameter change enables total internal reflection, which is more efficient than metallic reflection, reducing light energy loss while effectively forming the predetermined light distribution pattern.
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 solution enables a compact vehicle headlight device that effectively forms a desired light distribution pattern with high light use efficiency, allowing for proper illumination of the vehicle's path while minimizing the size of the headlight device and its components.
Implementation Method 1
the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion have different refractive indexes, and the light guide element is configured so that part of light entering the first light guide portion can enter the second light guide portion
Implementation Method 2
a second light guide portion that is in contact with the first light guide portion via a reflecting layer, extends from the incident surface to the emitting surface, and guides the received light, and wherein the reflecting layer has a reflecting surface on each of the first light guide portion side and the second light guide portion side
Data Source
AI summary
A headlight device includes: a light source that emits light; a light guide element that receives the light emitted from the light source through an incident surface and guides the received light to emit the guided light from an emitting surface; and a radiation optical system that radiates the light emitted from the emitting surface ahead of a vehicle. The light guide element includes: a first light guide portion that extends from the incident surface to the emitting surface and guides the received light; and a second light guide portion that is in contact with the first light guide portion, extends from the incident surface to the emitting surface, and guides the received light. The first and second light guide portions have different refractive indexes. The light guide element is configured so that part of light entering the first light guide portion can enter the second light guide portion.