Modular Vehicle Headlight Illuminant with Automatic Beam Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive headlight systems for automatic beam mode selection are cost-intensive and difficult to upgrade, especially in older vehicles, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular illuminant system with high-beam and low-beam LEDs, vehicle light detectors, and an electrical driver for automatic beam switching, which includes a mechanical interface for easy mounting, an electrical connector for power supply, and a controller to determine light conditions for adaptive illumination, allowing for seamless integration and control of high-beam and low-beam modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automatic beam mode systems are implemented, then automatic switching between high-beam and low-beam is achieved, but the system becomes cost-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vehicle light detector, electrical driver, and control logic into a single integrated illuminant unit that replaces the traditional headlight bulb. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate adapters and controllers, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining automatic beam mode selection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminant unit serves multiple functions: it provides high-beam illumination, low-beam illumination, and simultaneously detects vehicle light to automatically switch between modes. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating both light-emitting LEDs and light-detecting sensors within the same replaceable unit, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retrofit sets with multiple adapters and sensors are installed, then automatic beam switching is enabled in older cars, but the installation becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a modular illuminant unit that can be independently replaced without modifying the vehicle's existing electrical system. The unit contains all necessary components (LEDs, detector, driver) in a self-contained package that interfaces with standard headlight sockets, enabling simple retrofiting while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminant unit contains an integrated electrical driver that automatically processes sensor signals and controls LED switching without requiring external controllers or complex wiring. This self-service capability allows the unit to function autonomously once installed, greatly simplifying the retrofiting process.
3Illumination intensity
If high-beam LEDs are continuously active, then maximum illumination is provided, but glare to approaching vehicles and self-blinding in fog occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminant unit incorporates a vehicle light detector that continuously monitors the optical environment and provides feedback to the electrical driver. When the detector senses light from approaching vehicles or conditions indicating fog, it triggers the driver to automatically switch from high-beam to low-beam mode, thereby eliminating glare and self-blinding while maintaining optimal illumination when safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically switches between high-beam and low-beam modes based on detected light conditions, rather than maintaining continuous high-beam operation. This periodic switching ensures maximum illumination is provided only when the road ahead is clear, while automatically reducing intensity when potential hazards are detected.
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 efficient automatic switching between high-beam and low-beam modes to avoid glare and self-blinding, with the ability to detect ambient light and vehicle light, ensuring optimal illumination and reducing the risk of dazzling other drivers, while being compatible with various headlight types and allowing for synchronization between headlights.
Implementation Method 1
one, two, three, four or more high-beam light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
high-beam light emitting diodes (LEDs), one, two, three, four or more low-beam LEDs
Implementation Method 3
one, two, three, four or more vehicle light detectors are mounted on the carrier
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes an illuminant (100) for a vehicle headlight comprising: a carrier (110), wherein a high-beam LED (101), a low-beam LED (103) and a vehicle light detector (106) are mounted on the carrier (110), an electrical driver (115), a mechanical interface (112) for mounting the illuminant (100) in a corresponding socket of the vehicle headlight in a detachable way, and an electrical connector (114) for supplying electrical power to the electrical driver (115), wherein the electrical driver (115) is arranged to receive vehicle light detection signals from the vehicle light detector (106), to determine vehicle light (154) by means of the vehicle light detection signals, and to provide a drive current to the high-beam LED (101) or the low-beam LED (103) depending on the determined vehicle light (154). Illuminant (100) is further arranged to detect ambient light (156) other than the vehicle light (154), such detection of ambient light (156) influencing electrical driver (115) in controlling the LEDs (101, 103).