Low-Beam Headlight Segmented Lens Arrays Short Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-beam headlight systems face challenges in achieving short overall lengths while maintaining high light/energy yield, often resulting in large headlamp systems with reduced transmission and increased heat input due to complex light distribution requirements.
Innovation Solution
A light source arrangement generating a less divergent light cone in one transverse direction is used to illuminate three lens arrays, allowing for beam shaping and achieving the desired light intensity distribution with single-lens optics, and utilizing honeycomb condensers to minimize losses and reduce overall length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional single-aperture projection optics are used to achieve small divergences, then the required minimum light intensity can be maintained, but the focal length and overall length of the headlight increase to well over 10 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single aperture into multiple apertures arranged in an array, with each aperture corresponding to a segment of the light cone. This segmentation allows the use of shorter focal length optics while maintaining the required beam divergence control, as each aperture handles a specific portion of the light distribution task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-aperture optics to multi-aperture optics, adding spatial arrangement in the aperture plane as an additional degree of freedom. This dimensional change enables shorter focal lengths by distributing the optical function across multiple apertures positioned at different locations.
2Length of moving object
If lens arrays with aperture arrays are used to reduce focal length, then the overall length of the headlight can be greatly reduced, but the transmission of the system is reduced by the diaphragm array
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions apertures in specific locations within the light cone where they can define the light-dark boundary without blocking the main light path. Each aperture is strategically placed to control a specific region of the beam, allowing the system to achieve the required light distribution while minimizing unnecessary light blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the apertures as intermediary elements that work in conjunction with the lens array to achieve beam shaping. The apertures serve as mediators that define the light-dark boundary in collaboration with the optical elements, rather than simply blocking light, thereby reducing energy loss.
3Device complexity
If aperture arrays are positioned in the vicinity of the intermediate image plane, then beam shaping can be achieved, but high energy densities cause noticeable heat input into the micro-optical system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the aperture array from the high-energy-density region near the intermediate image plane and repositions it to a location where it can still define the light-dark boundary but experiences lower energy densities. This extraction reduces thermal loading on the optical system while maintaining beam shaping functionality.
4Illumination intensity
If light sources with high luminance and highly efficient beam shaping optics are combined to achieve small dimensions, then the light intensity can be maintained, but the extension in the direction of light propagation exceeds 10 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam shaping function across multiple apertures and lens elements, allowing each component to be optimized for shorter focal lengths. This segmentation enables the maintenance of high light intensity while reducing the overall extension of the optical system in the light propagation direction.
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 approach enables a low-beam headlight with a short overall length and high light/energy yield, minimizing losses and thermal loading, while maintaining effective beam shaping and glare-free design.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arrangement (10) which generates a light cone (12) of light which is less divergent in a first transverse direction y than in a second transverse direction x perpendicular to the first transverse direction y
Implementation Method 2
three lens arrays (4a-c), which are thus each irradiated on the input side by an associated segment of the light cone (12) arranged next to one another in the second transverse direction and low beam on the output side with an opposite light intensity angle distribution that has changed with the light cone
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a low-beam headlight which can be achieved having a low overall length and a high light/energy yield. A light source assembly (10) is provided, which generates a cone of light (12) which is less divergent in a first transverse direction (y) than in a second transverse direction (x) perpendicular to the first transverse direction, and said light source assembly (10) is used to illuminate three lens arrays (4a, 4b, 4c) arranged beside one another along the second transverse direction (x), which thus, on the input side, are each shone through by an associated segment (12a, 12b, 12c) of the cone of light (12) arranged underneath beside one another in the second transverse direction (x) and, on the output side, output low-beam light (102) with a light intensity angular distribution that is changed as compared with the cone of light (12).