LED Headlamp Corner Illumination via Segmented Light Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED headlamps with steerable light are limited to illuminating areas no more than fifteen degrees off the optical axis, which is insufficient in many circumstances.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating corner light elements with semiconductor light sources that can be illuminated to extend the illumination area up to eighty degrees from the optical axis, in addition to the steerable light sources, allowing for enhanced corner illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If steerable light sources are used to illuminate areas adjacent the optical axis, then visibility during turns is improved, but the illumination angle is limited to fifteen degrees from the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The headlamp is divided into separate functional modules: steerable light sources for illumination up to fifteen degrees from the optical axis, and corner light elements positioned at the periphery to provide additional illumination for angles between fifteen and eighty degrees. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in its optimal range while collectively covering a much wider angular spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
Corner light elements are positioned at the periphery of the headlamp assembly, adding a spatial dimension to the illumination system. This peripheral positioning allows light to be projected at extreme angles (up to eighty degrees) that cannot be achieved by steerable sources positioned on the optical axis, effectively utilizing the lateral dimension of the headlamp structure.
2Area of stationary object
If corner light elements are added to extend illumination to eighty degrees, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corner light elements are integrated into the existing headlamp assembly structure, merging the new illumination function with the conventional headlamp housing. The control system merges the operation of steerable light sources and corner light elements into a unified system that can selectively activate appropriate light sources based on steering angle and turn signal status, managing complexity through functional integration.
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 a headlamp that can illuminate areas significantly further from the optical axis, enhancing visibility during turns and providing additional safety features like indicating turn intentions to other drivers.
Implementation Method 1
LED headlamps with high and low beam patterns and which can also include additional LEDs which can be selectively illuminated to provide steerable light
Implementation Method 2
a projector assembly comprising a light engine including a plurality of semiconductor light sources and a lens
Data Source
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AI summary
A headlamp (20) is provided which employs semiconductor light sources, such as light emitting diodes, and which includes light sources which can selectively be illuminated to provide steerable light beam patterns, to illuminate areas adjacent the optical axis of the headlamp, and corner light elements (48) which can be illuminated to illuminate the area (corresponding to light beam pattern 114) adjacent the steerable light beam patterns (102-110) further from the optical axis of the headlamp. The corner light elements (48) can be illuminated after the steerable light beam patterns (102-110) have been provided or can be illuminated independently of the steerable light patterns, for example responsive to the activation of a turn signal.