Motor Vehicle Headlight Optics With Switchable Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic illumination devices for motor vehicle headlights are limited in performing multiple light functions, requiring multiple devices with different configurations, which increases production costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device with a plurality of spaced light sources and an optically active region containing scattering elements, where the adjustment means changes the scattering cross section to enable two operating states: a transparent state for clear light function and a scattering state for blurred light function, allowing the same device to produce distinct light functions by altering light beam direction and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination devices are installed to perform different light functions, then the light function versatility is improved, but the production costs and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single illumination device that can perform multiple light functions (clear light function and blurred light function) by using an optically active region with adjustable scattering properties. The optical device contains scattering elements whose scattering cross section can be dynamically adjusted between different operating states, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and achieve universal functionality without increasing device count or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the scattering cross section of scattering elements within the optically active region. By controlling the scattering properties in real-time, the system can switch between different light functions (clear/blurred) as needed, enabling a single static device structure to perform multiple dynamic functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination devices are installed to perform different light functions, then the light function versatility is improved, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single illumination device that can perform multiple light functions (clear light function and blurred light function) by using an optically active region with adjustable scattering properties. The optical device contains scattering elements whose scattering cross section can be dynamically adjusted between different operating states, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and achieve universal functionality without increasing device count or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate illumination devices into a single integrated device. By combining the light source, optically active region with scattering elements, and adjustment means into one unified system, the patent achieves multiple light functions without the need for separate devices, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination devices are installed to perform different light functions, then the light function versatility is improved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single illumination device that can perform multiple light functions (clear light function and blurred light function) by using an optically active region with adjustable scattering properties. The optical device contains scattering elements whose scattering cross section can be dynamically adjusted between different operating states, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and achieve universal functionality without increasing device count or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a compact nested structure where the scattering elements are embedded within the optically active region, which is integrated with the light source and adjustment means. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, minimizing the overall footprint while maintaining all necessary functions
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 the production of clear and blurred light functions with a single device, reducing production costs and space requirements while providing flexible and homogeneous lighting options.
Implementation Method 1
the optically active region of the optical device is configured to scatter such that the light of the illuminant incident on the optically active region of the optical device interacts with the optically active region when passing through the optically active region
Implementation Method 2
the adjustment means is configured to adjust a scattering cross section of the scattering elements depending on the at least two operating states
Data Source
AI summary
Illumination device for a motor vehicle headlight, which is configured to perform at least two different light functions and has an illuminant and an optical device associated with the illuminant, wherein the optical device has an adjustment means configured to adjust operating states of the optical device, wherein in a first operating state, the optical device is substantially transparent, and in a second operating state, the optical device is configured to scatter, wherein the illuminant comprises a plurality of light sources spaced apart from one another at a minimum distance, wherein the adjustment means is configured to adjust the optical device such that in the first operating state, a light propagation direction of the rays of light remains unchanged, and in the second operating state, the light propagation direction of the rays of light is changed by scattering the rays of light on scattering elements of the optical device.