Vehicle Headlight Device Vertical Light Source Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlight devices that adapt illumination based on traveling speed complicate configuration, increase weight and cost by requiring movable light sources and optical systems with pivotable axes.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle headlight device with optical systems having offset light distribution patterns in vertical directions, a stoppable distance calculator, and a light source controller that turns on/off light sources to illuminate areas based on stoppable distance and risk object detection, without needing pivotable optical axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light sources and optical systems are made movable with pivotable optical axes to change illuminating area, then adaptability of illumination is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of illuminationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the light sources movable in the vertical direction rather than pivotable. The light sources are positioned at different heights (first light source higher, second light source lower) and can move vertically to change which light distribution pattern is active, providing adaptive illumination without complex pivot mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical pivot system with a simpler vertical translation mechanism. Instead of rotating optical axes, the system uses offset light distribution patterns from vertically separated light sources, substituting a complex mechanical rotation system with a simpler linear movement system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If light sources and optical systems are made movable with actuators, then adaptability of illumination is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of illuminationVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses vertical translation of light sources instead of rotation, which requires less complex actuators and reduces overall system weight. The offset light distribution patterns are achieved through vertical positioning rather than angular adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes a heavy pivot mechanism with a lighter vertical translation system. The offset light distribution patterns are generated by positioning light sources at different heights, replacing the need for heavy rotational actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If light sources and optical systems are made movable with actuators, then adaptability of illumination is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of illuminationVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adaptability through vertical movement of light sources with offset distributions, using simpler actuators that are less expensive than pivot mechanisms. The system achieves adaptive illumination through linear translation rather than rotational movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive pivot mechanisms with a simpler vertical translation system. The offset light distribution patterns from vertically separated light sources provide adaptability without requiring complex rotational actuators, reducing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9580006B2Vehicle headlight device

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A vehicle headlight device includes optical systems that are respectively provided to light sources, and illuminate ahead of a vehicle by light emitted from the light sources, with light distribution patterns of which illuminating areas are offset to each other at least in vertical directions, a stoppable distance calculator that calculates a stoppable distance of the vehicle, and a light source controller that controls the light sources to be turned on and off so that an area ahead of the vehicle and away from the vehicle by the stoppable distance is illuminated by at least one of the optical systems.