Automotive Headlight Rotary Assembly for Gradual Beam Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting systems have rapid transitions between low and high beams, which can be disturbing and lead to optical defects, and are limited to only two positions, lacking the ability to provide gradual changes in lighting intensity and range.
Innovation Solution
A rotary assembly with distinct, distant edges on the covers allows for optical continuity between lighting positions, enabling a gradual transition from dipped to increased range beams, using a stepper motor for precise control and multiple functional positions, avoiding 'uppering' and 'lowering' phenomena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rapid transition between low and high beams is used, then the headlight flasher function is improved and cost is reduced, but driver comfort deteriorates and optical defects appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single transition process into multiple segments by using a rotary assembly with multiple covers (first cover, second cover, third cover) positioned at different angular locations. Each cover creates a cut in the light beam at a different position, allowing the transition to occur in steps rather than as a single rapid movement. This segmentation enables the beam pattern to evolve gradually through intermediate states, improving driver comfort while maintaining the ability to switch between lighting modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate covers (second cover, third cover) that act as mediators between the low beam and high beam states. These intermediate covers create partial cuts in the beam, generating intermediate lighting patterns that bridge the gap between the two extreme positions. This allows for a progressive transition that avoids the abrupt changes causing optical defects and discomfort, while still achieving the desired headlight flasher function.
2Device complexity
If only two lighting positions are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rotary assembly multi-functional by equipping it with multiple covers that can be positioned at different angular locations. Each cover configuration enables a different lighting mode (low beam, high beam, and intermediate patterns). The same mechanical structure serves multiple lighting functions, allowing the system to adapt to various driving conditions (urban, highway, flashing communication) without requiring separate actuators or complex electronic control systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the lighting system through the rotary assembly that can rotate to different angular positions. The covers on the rotary assembly can be positioned dynamically to create different beam patterns. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between multiple lighting modes (not just two fixed positions) by simply rotating the assembly to different angles, providing adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a slow transition between lighting positions is used, then driver comfort is improved, but transition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the rotational movement of the rotary assembly. The covers are positioned at specific angular intervals (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) around the rotary assembly, creating a periodic pattern of beam cuts as it rotates. This periodic arrangement allows the transition to occur through discrete, evenly spaced intermediate states rather than a continuous slow movement, reducing the overall transition time while still providing the gradual change needed for driver comfort.
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 solution provides improved driver comfort through slow and smooth transitions, maintaining light intensity and range continuity, and allows for multiple lighting modes without activating correction actuators, reducing optical defects and enhancing adaptability to different driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary assembly (10) arranged to intercept said light beam, the assembly comprising a set of covers (8, 9) to create a cut-off of the light beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical module of the elliptical type comprising a light source (3) associated with a reflector (2) and closed by a dioptric element of the converging lens type, for example a lens of the plano-convex type
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) has an ellipsoidal reflector (2) associated to a light source (3) e.g. LED, for forming a light beam. A rotary assembly (10) intercepts the light beam, and is rotationally driven between two lighting positions around a rotational axle (z) by a stepper motor. The assembly has fixed covers (4, 5) respectively provided with edges that are remote from each other by a predetermined angular gap. The assembly permits a progressive transition of lighting between the two lighting positions. A convex lens (6) is arranged on a path of the light beam intercepted by the rotary assembly.