Lighting Module with Perpendicular Light Sources for ADB

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adaptive driving beam (ADB) systems for motor vehicles require multiple light sources, lenses, and mirrors, which are costly, space-intensive, and cause visual discomfort due to their complex configuration and heat management issues, limiting their installation on mid-range and low-end vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A lighting module with at least two rectangular light sources positioned at an angle, sharing a common reflection and projection device to generate a partial road lighting beam, reducing the number of optical components and improving beam coherence, thereby forming an asymptotic beam profile with fewer modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources, mirrors and lenses are used to generate ADB function, then the beam can be divided into multiple light bands to illuminate road areas selectively, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveADB functionVSAvoidnumber of optical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light sources (first and second light sources) into a single integrated module with shared optical components. The first light source generates a first light band and the second light source generates a second light band, both utilizing the same projection device and reflection means, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining ADB functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection device and reflection means serve multiple functions: they process light from both the first and second light sources to create different light bands. This multi-functionality allows a single optical system to generate multiple illuminated zones on the road, reducing the need for separate optical paths for each light band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If twelve separate assemblies of emitters, mirrors and lenses are installed, then a road-type beam with asymptotic shape can be formed, but the space required in the headlamp becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveasymptotic beam profileVSAvoidheadlamp space
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light-generating assemblies into a compact module where the first and second light sources share common optical components (projection device and reflection means). This merging reduces the spatial footprint from twelve separate assemblies to a single integrated unit, enabling the asymptotic beam profile to be formed within limited headlamp space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the second light source at an angle between 80° and 100° relative to the first light source, utilizing angular/directional arrangement to create vertical and lateral light bands that together form the asymptotic profile. This dimensional positioning allows compact space utilization while achieving the desired beam shape.

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

3Shape

If multiple light sources are positioned close to each other, then the number of unlit bands between light bands is reduced, but the minimum distance required by technology prevents complete contiguity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuity of light beamVSAvoidspacing between light sources
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates different local light band characteristics by positioning the first and second light sources at specific angles. The first light source generates a first light band with specific vertical illumination, while the second light source generates a second light band with lateral illumination. This local differentiation allows the unlit space between traditional light bands to be filled by the complementary second light band, achieving visual continuity without requiring extremely tight spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If twelve assemblies are used to manage heat losses and alignment, then each assembly can be individually controlled for ADB function, but the heat management and alignment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual light band controlVSAvoidheat management and alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat management and alignment systems by having the first and second light sources share common projection and reflection components. This reduces the total number of alignment interfaces and heat dissipation paths from twelve separate assemblies to a single integrated module, simplifying both thermal management and optical alignment while preserving individual control capability through selective activation of light sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for a more efficient and cost-effective implementation of ADB functionality with improved beam coherence and reduced visual discomfort, enabling its use on a wider range of vehicles by minimizing the number of optical systems and optimizing space within the headlamp.

Implementation Method 1

a means of reflection and a projection device common to said light sources which participate in the formation of a first light band generated by the first light source and in the formation of a second light band generated by the second light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2607165B1Lighting modul comprising at least two light sources arranged substantially perpendicularly
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2607165B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2607165B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2607165B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The module (1) has a set of light sources (7, 18, 25, 34) e.g. LED, and another set of light sources (8, 19, 24, 33) that is approximately rectangular in shape. The former set of light sources and the latter set of light sources are attached on a same support (6), and are spaced apart from each other. The light sources are attached on the support such that a direction of the light sources defines length of the light sources. The light sources are directed according to an angle ranging between 80 and 100 degrees with regard to another direction (12) that defines length of the light sources. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a projector (2) a lighting system.