Matrix LED Headlight Cornering Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headlight systems with cornering light functions are costly and occupy significant space, and the pivoting of the light cone can be shadowed by vehicle body parts, posing challenges for aerodynamics and design.

Innovation Solution

A headlight system with a second light module featuring light-emitting diode units arranged in a matrix with two horizontal lines, allowing for a cornering light angle adjustment based on curve radius detection, which supplements the asymmetrical low beam without increasing installation space, using a control unit and curve detection system to pivot the lateral light-dark boundary horizontally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional headlight systems with cornering light functions are used, then cornering illumination is improved, but cost and installation space increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecornering illuminationVSAvoidinstallation space and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headlight system is divided into two functional modules: a first light module for generating the asymmetrical low beam and a second light module with matrix-arranged LED units for generating the cornering light. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity and space requirements while maintaining cornering illumination functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second light module with matrix-arranged LED units serves multiple functions: it generates the cornering light by selectively activating specific LEDs, supplements the asymmetrical low beam, and provides adjustable illumination based on detected curve radius. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cornering light components, reducing installation space and cost.

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

2Illumination intensity

If the light cone is pivoted for cornering light function, then illumination in curves is improved, but the light cone may be shadowed by vehicle body parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurve illuminationVSAvoidshadowing by vehicle parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mechanically pivoting the entire light module or light cone, the system uses electronic control to selectively activate specific LED units in the matrix arrangement. This substitution of mechanical movement with electronic selection achieves the cornering light effect without physical movement, avoiding shadowing by vehicle body parts and reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If matrix headlights with high-performance LEDs are used, then cornering light function is provided, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecornering light functionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a full matrix headlight system with high-performance LEDs for all functions, the invention applies the matrix LED technology locally and selectively. The second light module uses a simplified matrix arrangement with individually controllable LEDs only where needed for cornering light generation, while the first light module handles the basic asymmetrical low beam. This localized application reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining cornering light adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Provides a cost-effective cornering light function with improved illumination in curves while minimizing space usage and avoiding shadowing by vehicle parts, enhancing visibility and aerodynamics.

Implementation Method 1

a second light module, which includes a plurality of light-emitting diode units arranged in a matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3402694B1Headlight system and method for making available a cornering light function
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3402694B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3402694B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3402694B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a headlight system (2) for a vehicle for making available a cornering light function. The headlight system (2) comprises a first light module (3) for generating a conventional asymmetrical dipped headlight which has an upper first light/dark boundary (25) on the driver's side A of a central axis V which is oriented so as to be horizontal. The headlight system (2) also comprises a second light module (4) which comprises a plurality of light-emitting diode units (13) which are arranged in the manner of a matrix, a control unit (16) which is coupled to at least the second light module (4) and is designed to actuate the light emissions of the individual light-emitting diode units (13) of the second light module (4) separately, and a bend-detection unit (19) with which the radius of a bend in the direction of travel of the vehicle (1) can be detected. The headlight system according to the invention is characterized in that the light-emitting diode units (13), which are arranged in the manner of a matrix, of the second light module (4) have at maximum two horizontal lines (12-1, 12-2), and by means of the light emissions of the light-emitting diode units (13) it is possible to generate an emission characteristic with a lower second light/dark boundary (30) which is below the first light/dark boundary (25) of the dipped headlight, an upper third light/dark boundary (29) which is above the first light/dark boundary (25) of the dipped headlight, and a lateral fourth light/dark boundary (31) on the side of the light emissions (28) of the second light module (4) which faces the driver's side and in order to make available a cornering light function, the control unit (16), the bend-detection units (19) and the second light module (4) are embodied in such a way that a cornering light angle (δ) which the outermost of the light beams which generates the lateral fourth light/dark boundary (31) encloses with the vehicle longitudinal axis L in the horizontal direction can be varied, and that this cornering light angle (δ) depends on the radius of the bend detected by the bend-detection unit. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for making available a cornering light function.