Modular Imager Assembly for Vehicle Headlamp Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aftermarket solutions for adding autodimming headlamp functionality to vehicles are often bulky and costly, and do not integrate seamlessly with rearview assemblies without affecting their performance.

Innovation Solution

A modular imager assembly that includes a housing for removable attachment to a vehicle windscreen and rearview assembly, featuring an imager in optical communication with an aperture and a controller operably coupled with the vehicle headlamp, allowing for automatic control of headlamp operation states based on image data received by the imager, thus enabling easy and cost-effective integration without interfering with the rearview assembly's functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If existing aftermarket solutions are used to add autodimming headlamp functionality, then headlamp control capability is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautodimming headlamp controlVSAvoidassembly size

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the imager, controller, and mounting components into a single integrated housing assembly that attaches to the rearview assembly. This merging of functions into one compact unit provides autodimming capability without requiring separate bulky components, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing assembly serves multiple functions: it houses the imager for detecting oncoming vehicles, provides mounting structure via the mount, and integrates with the rearview assembly. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve autodimming control while maintaining a compact, unified structure rather than requiring separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If existing aftermarket solutions are used to add autodimming headlamp functionality, then headlamp control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautodimming headlamp controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separable modules: a housing containing the imager and controller, a mount for windscreen attachment, and integration interfaces for the rearview assembly. This segmentation allows for cost-effective manufacturing by enabling modular production, assembly, and potential reuse of standard components rather than requiring custom integrated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary structure that houses the imager and controller while providing standardized mounting interfaces. This intermediary design simplifies manufacturing by using a common housing structure that can accommodate different imager and controller components, reducing overall system cost through standardized production methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the imager assembly is installed near the rearview assembly, then space utilization is improved, but interference with rearview assembly performance may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation space utilizationVSAvoidrearview assembly performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is designed with specific local characteristics: it attaches to the windscreen at a location that provides optimal imaging conditions while maintaining sufficient distance from the rearview assembly's optical path. This localized positioning ensures the imager captures necessary data without interfering with the rearview assembly's functionality, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and performance reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves as an intermediary structure that physically separates the imager from the rearview assembly while maintaining functional integration. The housing and mount configuration ensures the imager is positioned at an optimal distance and angle to avoid blocking or interfering with the rearview assembly's field of view, thereby maintaining rearview performance while utilizing available space effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The modular imager assembly provides an efficient and cost-effective means to add autodimming headlamp functionality to vehicles, minimizing impact on the rearview assembly's operation and enhancing safety by automatically controlling headlamp states to avoid glare from oncoming or preceding vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

An imager is disposed within the housing and is in optical communication with an aperture extending into the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11130449B2Modular imager assembly

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A modular imager assembly includes a housing configured for removable attachment to a vehicle windscreen and for removable attachment with a rearview assembly. An imager is disposed within the housing and is in optical communication with an aperture extending into the housing. A controller is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled with the imager and a vehicle headlamp. The controller is operable to control an operation state of the vehicle headlamp in response to image data received by the imager.