Headlight Micromirror Module Mask for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting modules for motor vehicle headlights using micro-mirror matrices suffer from excessive heating, which can lead to malfunction or destruction of the micromirror array or its control circuit, and current cooling methods are inefficient and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module design that incorporates a mask interposed between the light source and the micro-mirror matrix, where the mask has an opening for light rays to pass through and an opaque part to block unnecessary light, and the micro-mirrors are individually movable between active and inactive orientations to manage heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling methods (heat sinks and fans) are used to cool the micromirror array, then the temperature is reduced, but the device becomes bulky and the cooling efficiency remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mask (optical component) with the heat dissipation function into a single integrated structure. The mask includes both light-blocking opaque portions and heat-dissipating portions, merging optical filtering and thermal management functions into one component, thereby eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks stray light, directs light rays, and dissipates heat. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.
2Temperature
If the micro-mirrors reflect light rays against the opaque part of the mask when inactive, then heat is dissipated, but the mask structure becomes more complex with extra thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heat dissipation function directly into the mask structure by adding extra thickness to specific portions of the mask. This allows the mask to serve dual purposes: optical filtering and thermal management, without requiring separate heat dissipation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structure itself provides the heat dissipation function through its extra thickness, which acts as a heat sink. The mask serves its own heat dissipation needs without requiring external cooling systems, making the system more self-sufficient.
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 effectively reduces the heating of the micro-mirror matrix and its control circuit by blocking unnecessary light and using the mask to dissipate heat, thereby improving the reliability and longevity of the lighting module.
Implementation Method 1
the micro-mirrors reflecting light rays from the light source through the opening of the mask when they are in their active orientation
Implementation Method 2
the micro-mirrors reflecting light rays from the light source against the opaque part of the mask when they are in their inactive orientation
Implementation Method 3
The orientation of each micro-mirror can be controlled individually by the effect of an electrostatic force
Implementation Method 4
a light source and a matrix of micro-mirrors, comprising a mask interposed between the light source and the matrix of micro-mirrors
Data Source
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AI summary
Lighting module (10) for a projector (2) of a motor vehicle (1), the lighting module (10) comprising a light source (11) and a micro-mirror matrix (21), characterized in that it comprises a mask (30) interposed between the light source (11) and the micro-mirror matrix (21), the mask comprising an opening (31) allowing light rays from the light source (11) to pass through and directed towards the micro-mirror matrix (21), and the mask (30) comprising an opaque part (32) blocking light rays from the light source (11) and not directed towards the micro-mirror matrix (21).