Vehicle Headlight Optics for Dynamic Light Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting apparatuses, such as vehicle lamps, lack the ability to diversify light distribution control effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus incorporating a light source, a light condensing unit, a liquid crystal element, a projection lens, and a diffractive optical element with individually controllable light modulation regions, along with polarizers, to achieve dynamic light distribution control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a basic light distribution system using only light source, reflector, and lens is used, then the structure is simple, but the light distribution control range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical control mechanisms (liquid crystal element for refraction control and diffractive optical element for diffraction control) into a single lighting apparatus, merging their functions to achieve diverse light distribution patterns while maintaining a unified structural framework
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting apparatus is designed with multi-functional optical elements that can perform multiple functions: the liquid crystal element can switch between transparent and scattering states, the diffractive optical element can create different diffraction patterns, and together they can generate various light distribution patterns (spotlight, floodlight, patterned illumination) from a single system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal element is added to enable light distribution control, then the light distribution range is widened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffractive optical element as an intermediary component between the light source and the projection lens, working in conjunction with the liquid crystal element to enhance light distribution control capabilities while sharing the optical path and reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are used for light distribution control, then light distribution diversification is achieved, but the alignment precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical control function into distinct zones within the diffractive optical element (light modulation regions with different diffraction characteristics) and combines it with the liquid crystal element's spatially variable refraction control, allowing independent optimization of each segment's alignment requirements
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
Enables versatile light distribution patterns adaptable to various conditions, enhancing safety and functionality in vehicle lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light condensing unit that condenses light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal element disposed in a focal position of the light that is condensed by the light condensing unit
Implementation Method 3
a diffractive optical element disposed between the light source and the liquid crystal element... in the first state, a diffractive effect can be generated with respect to an entering light
Implementation Method 4
a first polarizer disposed between the light source and the liquid crystal element; a second polarizer disposed between liquid crystal element and the projection lens
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus including: a light source; a light condensing unit; a liquid crystal element disposed in a focal position of light condensed by the light condensing unit; a projection lens; a first polarizer disposed between the light source and the LC element; a second polarizer disposed between the LC element and the projection lens; and a diffractive optical element disposed between the light source and the LC element; where the diffractive optical element has light modulation regions switching between a first state in which the refractive index changes and a second state in which the refractive index is uniform, where a diffractive effect is generated with respect to an entering light in the first state, and where each light modulation region is disposed at a position at which the light enters and closer to the light source than the focal position.