Vehicle Headlight Micromirror Position Detection via Secondary Laser Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlight systems with micromirrors struggle to provide real-time information on micromirror position and movement, and do not effectively verify if the laser beam correctly hits the light-conversion phosphor, leading to potential phase offsets due to temperature differences and complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headlight design that uses a secondary laser beam, either reflected or penetrating the phosphor layer, detected by photosensors to provide synchronization and integrity checks, eliminating the need for sensors within micromirror units and ensuring accurate light image projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into micromirror units to detect position and movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photosensor as an intermediary detection device positioned separately from the micromirror unit. The photosensor detects the secondary laser beam that reflects off the micromirror surface, thereby indirectly measuring micromirror position and movement without requiring integrated sensors within the micromirror assembly itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the secondary laser beam as an optical copy or proxy to carry information about micromirror position. By detecting the position and characteristics of this reflected beam, the system obtains measurement data about the micromirror without physically embedding sensors in the micromirror unit.
2Measurement precision
If separate light sources and projection systems are added to detect micromirror position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primary laser beam serving the headlight function simultaneously serves as the measurement beam for detecting micromirror position. The same laser source that generates the useful light for illumination also provides the secondary beam that carries position information, eliminating the need for a separate measurement light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own primary laser beam to perform the measurement function. The laser beam that is essential for the headlight's operation automatically provides the information needed for micromirror position detection through its secondary reflected component, making the system self-measuring.
3Manufacturing precision
If the laser beam correctly hits the phosphor layer, then light image quality is improved, but verification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensor acts as an intermediary verification device that detects the secondary laser beam reflecting from the phosphor layer. By monitoring this reflected beam, the system verifies whether the laser is correctly positioned on the phosphor without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The photosensor provides continuous feedback about the laser beam's position on the phosphor layer by detecting the secondary beam. This feedback mechanism allows real-time verification and potential correction of beam positioning, ensuring manufacturing precision while maintaining simple system architecture.
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 approach allows for cost-effective, real-time monitoring of micromirror movement and phosphor layer integrity, ensuring correct light image projection and reducing system complexity, while maintaining safety and compliance with legal requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the laser beam of which is deflected via a micromirror that can be pivoted about at least one axis
Implementation Method 2
blue laser light is converted into 'white'. The term 'phosphorus' used here is not to be understood in the chemical sense but should include substances that can convert light of one wavelength or spectral distribution into light of a different wavelength or spectral distribution
Implementation Method 3
at least one photosensor is positioned with respect to the luminous surface with the light-conversion phosphor in such a way that it detects a secondary laser beam emanating from the luminous surface
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle headlight with at least one laser light source (2), the light beam (3) of which is deflected onto a lighting surface (6) with a light-conversion phosphor via a micromirror (1) that can be pivoted about at least one axis in order to generate a light image on said lighting surface in a scanning manner, said light image being projectable onto a roadway via an optical unit (7). In the headlight according to the invention, at least one photosensor (9) is positioned relative to the lighting surface (6) with the light-conversion phosphor such that the photosensor detects a secondary light beam (8) emitted from the lighting surface in specified deflection positions of the micromirror (1), and the photosensor is designed to emit a signal (s).