Vehicle Headlight Reflector Facets for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle headlights often become misaligned as the vehicle moves, making it difficult for operators to determine and correct misalignment, which can lead to improper light direction affecting surrounding vehicles or pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
A light system comprising multiple light assemblies with reflector facets that project light in different directions, forming patterns on a surface perpendicular to the ground, allowing for adjustment and alignment of each light source individually to ensure proper aiming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vehicle headlights are made static in position, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lights become misaligned as the vehicle moves and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the light source or reflector to be dynamically repositioned. The light assembly includes adjustment features enabling the operator to change the aim of individual lights, transforming the static headlight system into a dynamically adjustable one that maintains proper alignment despite vehicle movement or settling
2Device complexity
If traditional single-direction light projection is used, then the light source structure is simple, but it is difficult to determine the direction the light is projecting and detect misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light projection into multiple distinct directions using separate reflector facets. Each facet projects light in a different direction, creating separate light patterns that can be individually observed. This segmentation allows the operator to see multiple reference patterns on a surface, making it easy to determine the exact direction each light is projecting and detect any misalignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different colors or distinct visual characteristics for light projected in different directions. By assigning different colors to different projection directions, the system provides clear visual feedback about light direction and alignment status, making it easy for operators to detect and correct misalignment
3Measurement precision
If individual light adjustment is implemented, then each light can be aimed separately for precise alignment, but the device complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements simple dynamic adjustment mechanisms for each light assembly, allowing individual lights to be aimed precisely in different directions. The adjustment features are designed to be straightforward and intuitive, enabling operators to make precise alignment adjustments without excessive complexity or time 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 precise alignment and aiming of vehicle headlights, ensuring optimal light distribution and reducing the risk of misalignment, thereby improving safety by providing clear and directed illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector facet that forms a first reflected light by redirecting light from the one or more light sources in a first direction and (ii) a second reflector facet that forms a second directed light by redirecting light from the one or more light sources in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly comprising: (a) one or more light sources; and (b) one or more reflectors comprising: (i) a first reflector facet that forms a first reflected light by redirecting light from the one or more light sources in a first direction and (ii) a second reflector facet that forms a second directed light by redirecting light from the one or more light sources in a second direction; and wherein the first directed light and the second directed light are configured to extend away from a vehicle housing the light assembly to form a light pattern that demonstrates a location the light assembly is aimed relative to the vehicle.