Vehicle Lighting Optical Module for Sharp Ground Pattern Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive lighting systems struggle to project complex patterns onto the ground using a single light source while being efficient and simple.
Innovation Solution
An optical module comprising a light source, a primary optical system with multiple optical members that form offset images, and a projecting optical system that projects these images onto the ground, allowing for the formation of complex patterns with sharp edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mask perforated with apertures is used to project patterns, then the cost is reduced, but light efficiency deteriorates since a large part of light is blocked or absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module segments the light beam into multiple sub-beams using optical members (lenses or reflectors) arranged in an array. Each optical member creates a separate image of the light source, and these images are projected onto the ground to form the desired pattern. This segmentation allows light to be redirected rather than blocked, maintaining efficiency while achieving pattern projection.
2Shape
If dark regions are introduced into a pixelated light beam to form patterns, then pattern projection is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase due to requiring a particularly high number of light sources
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple light sources to create dark regions in a pixelated beam, the invention uses optical members to create multiple images (copies) of a single light source. These copied images are arranged in specific spatial configurations to form the desired pattern on the ground, achieving complex pattern projection with a single light source.
3Loss of energy
If multiple light sources and light guides are used to collect and project light, then efficiency and simplicity are achieved, but complex patterns cannot be formed without multiplying the number of light sources and light guides
Solution Approach 1:
The optical members are arranged in a configurable array where their positions and orientations can be adjusted to create different image arrangements. This dynamic configuration allows a single light source to generate multiple images in various spatial patterns, enabling the projection of different complex patterns without adding more light sources or light guides.
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 projection of complex patterns with sharp edges onto the ground using a single light source, improving efficiency and simplicity while maintaining high resolution and light utilization.
Implementation Method 1
each optical member being arranged to form an image from said light source, said image being offset with respect to the image formed by each other optical member from said light source
Implementation Method 2
the light rays emitted by the light source are deflected by the optical members so that each forms a distinct image of the light source
Implementation Method 3
a projecting optical system arranged to project, onto the ground, the image formed by each optical member of the primary optical system from said light source
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module of a lighting system of a motor vehicle includes a light source, a primary optical system including at least two optical members, each optical member being arranged to form an image from the light source. The image is shifted with respect to the image formed by each other optical member from the light source. An optical projection system is arranged to project onto the ground the image formed by each optical member of the primary optical system from the light source.