Vehicle Headlight Projection Device Using Segmented Micro-Optics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micro-projection systems for motor vehicle headlights face challenges in meeting scattered light requirements due to miniaturization and high tolerance needs, particularly in creating the desired light distribution for low beam and signlight, which is difficult to achieve with traditional prism lenses.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple groups of low-beam micro-optics with different diaphragm devices, including a second variant with partially translucent windows, allows for precise control of light distribution above the light-dark boundary, enabling effective illumination of traffic signs and reducing glare.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional prism lenses are used to meet scattered light requirements, then light distribution control is achieved, but device depth and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattered light requirement complianceVSAvoidprojection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the projection device into multiple groups of micro-optics (first group without aperture devices, second group with aperture devices having translucent windows). This segmentation allows different regions to handle different light distribution functions, replacing the need for complex traditional prism lenses while meeting scattered light requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different aperture device designs to different groups of micro-optics based on local requirements. The second group of micro-optics uses aperture devices with translucent windows specifically in regions where scattered light control is needed, while the first group uses simpler aperture devices, optimizing both scattered light compliance and device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Length of moving object

If miniaturization is applied to reduce device size, then device depth is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection device depthVSAvoidmicro-optics alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into multiple groups of micro-optics with different aperture device configurations, the patent reduces the overall device depth while distributing the manufacturing precision requirements across multiple simpler components rather than requiring one highly complex miniaturized prism lens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple copies of standardized micro-optics groups (first group and second group) with well-defined aperture device patterns. These can be manufactured using precise photolithography techniques, allowing for consistent replication and assembly with controlled precision requirements, rather than manufacturing a single complex prism lens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If aperture devices with translucent windows are added to control light distribution, then scattered light requirements are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestray light requirement complianceVSAvoidaperture device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies translucent windows only in specific regions of the aperture devices for the second group of micro-optics, specifically where scattered light control is needed. This localized approach meets stray light requirements without adding translucent windows to all aperture devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the aperture devices into two variants: simpler aperture devices for the first group of micro-optics and aperture devices with translucent windows for the second group. This segmentation allows the system to meet scattered light requirements while keeping the overall device complexity manageable by not uniformly complicating all aperture devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables efficient and precise light distribution, meeting legal requirements for scattered light while minimizing the overall depth and complexity of the projection device, allowing for scalable and flexible design options for various light distributions.

Implementation Method 1

Each micro-entry optic focuses the light passing through it into at least one micro-entry optic focal point, wherein the micro-entry optic focal point lies between the micro-entry optic and the associated micro-exit optic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

the light pre-shaped by the micro-entry optics is projected by the micro-exit optics into an area in front of the vehicle as at least one light distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Lens

Implementation Method 3

at least one aperture device is arranged between the micro-entry optic and the micro-exit optic, wherein at least the micro-entry optics, the associated micro-exit optics and the at least one aperture device in between form a low-beam micro-optics, wherein the at least one aperture device is arranged to limit the light distribution imaged by the respective micro exit optics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

the aperture device within a light-shading area of the aperture device extending to the edge of the aperture, at least one at least partially translucent window is formed to create a light distribution above the light-dark boundary

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through translucent material: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3721133B1Projection device for a motor vehicle headlight
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP3721133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3721133B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(d)
  • EP3721133B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a projection device (1) for a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the projection device (1) is designed to project light of at least one light source (2) associated with the projection device (1) into a zone in front of the motor vehicle in at least one light distribution pattern, namely a low-beam light distribution pattern, a total number of the low-beam microlenses comprising at least two groups of low-beam microlenses.