Motor Vehicle LED Module with Dual Reflector and Projection Lens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light modules for motor vehicle headlights lack the ability to produce a broad, homogeneous light distribution on the road, limiting their range and efficiency due to limited degrees of freedom in light distribution and magnification factors.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a third optical element, a projection lens, in conjunction with two reflector elements, each with multiple focal points and adjustable focal lengths, to create a system that allows for a broad, homogeneous light distribution by combining optical magnification factors in both horizontal and vertical directions, while maintaining high luminance and efficient light transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If only reflector elements are used in the light module, then the structure remains simple, but the light distribution homogeneity and range are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution homogeneityVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical elements (first reflector element, second reflector element, and projection lens) into a single integrated light module. The reflector elements redirect light from the LED source, and the projection lens further shapes and projects the light distribution onto the road, creating a homogeneous broad light pattern that cannot be achieved with reflectors alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single optical element is used, then the device complexity is low, but the magnification factors and light distribution variability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnification factor variabilityVSAvoidnumber of optical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into distinct functional elements: a first reflector element for initial light redirection, a second reflector element for further shaping, and a projection lens for final light distribution control. Each element contributes specific optical functions, allowing independent optimization of magnification factors in horizontal and vertical directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves magnification control in multiple dimensions by using separate reflector elements and a projection lens. The system provides independent magnification factors in horizontal and vertical directions, enabling versatile light distribution patterns adapted to different driving conditions without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the light module uses multiple optical elements with different focal lengths, then the light distribution control is improved, but the alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution control precisionVSAvoidalignment measurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs optical elements with specifically designed focal lengths and curvature radii. The first and second reflector elements have different focal properties, and the projection lens is positioned at a specific distance from the LED source. These parameter optimizations enable precise light distribution control while facilitating alignment during manufacturing through standardized optical parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enables the generation of a broad, homogeneous light distribution with enhanced range and efficiency, ensuring sufficient illuminance along the road while maintaining imaging properties and allowing for adjustments in light scattering, thus overcoming the limitations of prior art.

Implementation Method 1

The first optical element (11) comprises a first reflector element which redirects at least part of the light rays (14) emitted by the light source (10) by reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The second optical element (12), which is arranged downstream of the first reflector element (11) in the beam path, comprises a second reflector element which redirects at least part of the light rays (15) reflected by the first reflector element (11) by reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The third optical element (13), which is arranged downstream of the second reflector element (12) in the beam path, comprises a projection lens which projects the light beams (16) previously deflected on the two reflector elements (11, 12) onto a road in front of the motor vehicle in order to realize the predetermined light distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3351849B1LED module and lighting device for a motor vehicle with a plurality of such LED modules
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 MARELLI GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3351849B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3351849B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3351849B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a light module (5) of a lighting device (1) of a motor vehicle. The light module (5) comprises at least three optical elements arranged successively in the beam path of the emitted light for deflecting the light rays emitted by the light source (10) with the aim of generating a predetermined light distribution on a road surface in front of the motor vehicle.The first optical element comprises a first reflector element (11) which reflects the light rays (14) emitted by the light source (10), the second optical element, which is arranged downstream of the first reflector element (11) in the beam path, comprises a second reflector element (12) and the third optical element, which is arranged downstream of the second reflector element (12) in the beam path, comprises a lens element (13) which, in conjunction with the second reflector element (12), projects the light rays (16) previously deflected at the two reflector elements (11, 12) onto the roadway in front of the motor vehicle to achieve the specified light distribution.