Vehicle Low-Beam Projection With Reduced-Illumination Signaling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current low beam headlights in vehicles lack sufficient definition and flexibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions, and existing solutions for signaling are energy-intensive and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system with a passing beam that includes a zone of reduced illumination, allowing for the projection of an additional low-intensity beam, which can be used for signaling and is more energy-efficient, utilizing pixelated beam projection techniques to provide flexible and high-resolution additional lighting within the passing beam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional dipped beam is used to provide illumination, then the road is adequately lit, but the definition and precision of the beam is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam definitionVSAvoidlighting system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dipped beam is divided into multiple sub-beams that can be independently controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows precise control over the illumination pattern, creating well-defined beam edges and a zone of lesser illumination without requiring complex mechanical structures. Each sub-beam module can be independently activated or deactivated to achieve the desired beam configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system dynamically adjusts the relative positions of sub-beams and their intensity levels in real-time. The projection device can modify the configuration of sub-beams to create different beam patterns, including the zone of lesser illumination, by controlling the angular positions and brightness of individual sub-beam modules rather than using fixed mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If signaling is achieved by superimposing a high-intensity beam above the dipped beam, then signaling is effective, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a separate high-intensity signaling beam, the system uses local quality variation by creating a zone of lesser illumination within the dipped beam structure. This zone can be dynamically adjusted to serve as a signaling area, allowing low-intensity signaling that is integrated into the existing dipped beam without requiring additional high-power light sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The dipped beam structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides road illumination while also containing a configurable zone of lesser illumination that can be used for signaling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate signaling systems, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining both illumination and signaling capabilities within a single lighting system.

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

3Ease of operation

If a high-intensity beam is used for signaling, then the signal is visible, but visual discomfort in heavy precipitation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling visibilityVSAvoidvisual discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the intensity parameter of the signaling zone by using a zone of lesser illumination rather than a high-intensity beam. This parameter change allows the signaling function to be performed at lower intensity levels, reducing the harmful reflective effects on wet roads while still providing visible signaling through the contrast created by the localized illumination reduction within the dipped beam structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If the dipped beam is made more defined with complex cut-offs, then beam precision improves, but the system becomes less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam definitionVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves beam definition through dynamic control of sub-beam positions and intensities rather than fixed mechanical cut-offs. This dynamic approach allows the beam pattern to be adjusted in real-time for different driving conditions, maintaining precision while providing flexibility. The zone of lesser illumination can be repositioned and resized by controlling the sub-beam modules, offering adaptability that fixed structures cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3350019B1Lighting system for motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3350019B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3350019B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3350019B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting system for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a device (8) for projecting a low beam (3) into a projection area. The invention is characterized in that the projection device (8) is configured so that the low beam (3) comprises an area of reduced illumination (5) located within the projection area. The invention is preferably applicable in the field of lighting equipment for motor vehicles.