Automotive Headlight Optics for Adjustable Low-Beam Cut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive headlight systems that use shading elements to create a cut-off line for low-beam illumination are inefficient and complex, leading to energy loss and difficulty in adjusting the cut-off line shape to meet different market requirements or traffic directions.
Innovation Solution
A headlight system comprising a projection lens, two reflectors, and two light sources, where the primary lens serves to direct both high-beam and low-beam light, with independently operable sub-sources creating the desired cut-off line for low-beam illumination, allowing for adjustment without changing optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a shading element is used to create the low-beam cut-off line, then the cut-off line is formed, but light efficiency decreases and the shaded light is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the shading element from the optical system entirely. Instead of blocking light with a shading element, the cut-off line is formed by selectively activating specific sub-sources (second and third sub-sources) while keeping other sub-sources (first and fourth sub-sources) inactive. This extraction of the shading element eliminates light waste while maintaining cut-off line functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state of individual sub-sources within the light source assembly. By independently controlling the activation status of each sub-source (on/off states), the system creates the cut-off line effect without physical blocking elements. This parameter-based control (electrical switching) replaces the mechanical/optical blocking approach, improving light efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If a shading element or shaped reflector is used to create the cut-off line, then the cut-off line is formed, but the complexity of the projection lens and overall system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple independently controllable sub-sources (first, second, third, and fourth sub-sources). Each sub-source can be selectively activated to create different beam patterns. This segmentation allows the cut-off line to be formed by controlling which segments are active, rather than requiring complex shaping elements in the projection lens or reflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static optical configuration (fixed shading elements or shaped reflectors) to a dynamic control system where individual sub-sources can be independently switched on and off. This dynamic control allows the cut-off line shape and position to be adjusted electronically without changing physical components, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new reflector or shading element is provided to adjust the cut-off line shape, then the cut-off line can be adjusted for different markets, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic electronic control of sub-source activation to achieve different cut-off line configurations. By selectively turning on/off specific sub-sources, the system can adapt to different market requirements (left-hand traffic vs. right-hand traffic, different cut-off line shapes) without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement of reflectors or shading elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A single light source assembly with multiple independently controllable sub-sources serves multiple functions: creating cut-off lines for different traffic directions, adjusting beam patterns, and adapting to different market requirements. This multi-functional capability is achieved through electronic control rather than requiring multiple specialized physical components for each function.
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 system achieves more efficient energy use and easier adjustment of the cut-off line by reducing light wastage and allowing for configuration changes through control unit adjustments alone, without altering hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector, a first light source directed towards the first reflector, and a second reflector for reflecting light from the first light source reflected by the first reflector
Implementation Method 2
a second reflector for reflecting light from the first light source reflected by the first reflector towards the projection lens
Implementation Method 3
The projection lens can then direct the light to the road ahead
Implementation Method 4
The light from the second light source passes through the primary lens on its way towards the projection lens. E.g., the lens can increase homogeneity
Data Source
AI summary
A headlight for an automobile is provided, the headlight including a projection lens, two reflectors, and two light sources. The first light source is directed towards the first reflector, and the second reflector reflects light from the first reflector towards the projection lens. The headlight further comprises a primary lens located between the second light source and the projection lens. The second light source comprises at least two independently operable sets of sub-sources for creating, together with the primary lens, a high-beam illumination with both the first light source and second light source turned on, and for creating a low-beam illumination comprising a cut-off line for limiting dazzling of oncoming drivers with the first light source turned on and only one of the sets of sub-sources of the second light source turned on.