Monolithic Headlamp Optics for Compact High- and Low-Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle headlamps have a complex design and require a large overall depth, which is inefficient and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A headlamp design featuring a monolithic optical component with integrated light guides and collimating lenses, where the light exit surfaces of the first and second light guides are adjacent or merge, allowing for superimposed high and low beams, and light sources are arranged according to the contour of the cut-off line, enabling compactness and efficient light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate light guides and optical components are used for high beam and low beam, then light distribution control is achieved, but device complexity and overall depth increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light guides (first and second light guides for high and low beams) and optical components (collimating lenses, total internal reflection elements) into a single integrated optical component. This merging approach maintains the ability to control different light distributions while reducing overall device complexity and eliminating the need for separate component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light for both high beam and low beam, provides collimation through integrated lenses, enables total internal reflection for beam shaping, and controls light distribution patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate light guides are arranged for high beam and low beam, then beam separation is achieved, but overall depth of headlamp increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging light guides in a depth-oriented configuration to integrating them in a planar configuration within a single component. The first and second light guides are arranged side-by-side with their light exit surfaces adjacent to each other, utilizing horizontal spacing rather than depth separation, thereby reducing overall headlamp depth while maintaining beam separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple light guides into a single integrated optical component with adjacent light exit surfaces, the patent eliminates the depth required for separate light guide arrangements while preserving the ability to generate distinct high and low beams through the integrated structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate optical components are used, then light distribution precision is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical functions (light guiding, collimation, total internal reflection, beam shaping) into a single monolithic optical component that can be manufactured as one piece using precision molding or machining. This eliminates the need for assembling multiple separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining light distribution precision through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves precise light distribution by optimizing geometric parameters within the integrated component, such as the angles of total internal reflection surfaces, the positioning of collimating lenses, and the configuration of light guide channels. These parameter optimizations enable precise beam control while simplifying manufacturing through a unified component structure.
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 design achieves a simpler, more compact headlamp with improved light distribution adaptability, reducing the overall depth and enhancing efficiency by integrating collimating lenses and structuring for optimal beam superposition and light homogeneity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light guide means (3, 4) each having a plurality of light guide elements (9, 10), each light guide element having a light entry surface (5, 6) and a light exit surface (7, 8)
Implementation Method 2
with collimating lenses (11, 12) for the light emitted by the light sources, arranged in the light entry surfaces (5, 6) of the light guide elements (9, 10)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of first light sources for a high beam, emitting light during operation of the headlamp, a plurality of second light sources for a low beam, emitting light during operation of the headlamp, a first light guide (3) having a plurality of light entry surfaces (5) for the light emitted from the first light sources and a first light exit surface (7), a second light guide (4) having a plurality of light entry surfaces (6) for the light emitted from the second light sources and a second light exit surface (8), wherein the headlamp comprises an optical component (1), in particular a monolithic optical component, which comprises both the first and the second light guide (3, 4).