Movable Cover Light Module for Seamless Headlamp Beam Transition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlamp systems suffer from a dark bar between the dipped beam and main beam modes, leading to discomfort for drivers and inefficient use of light-emitting diodes, where the second light source must be oversized for high-intensity rays, resulting in excessive diode usage for a function implemented less frequently than low-beam functionality.

Innovation Solution

A light module with at least two light sources and optical deflection devices, featuring a movable cover that adjusts positions to control light intensity, allowing for seamless transition between dipped and main beam modes without a dark bar, by independently controlling the light sources to modify their intensity based on the cover's position, ensuring continuous beam projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single light module with two light sources is used to achieve both dipped beam and main beam functions, then the number of modules is reduced and size is minimized, but a dark bar appears between the beams causing driver discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of modulesVSAvoiddriver comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cover movable between two positions (first position for dipped beam, second position for main beam) instead of being fixed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition between lighting modes without creating a dark bar, as the cover's movement enables proper optical alignment. Additionally, the light source intensity is dynamically adjusted based on the cover position to ensure seamless beam transition and eliminate the dark bar artifact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the light intensity of the light sources based on the cover position. When the cover moves from the first position to the second position, the control device adjusts the intensity parameters of the light sources to maintain continuous beam coverage and eliminate the dark bar. This parameter adjustment ensures that the transition between dipped and main beam modes is smooth and comfortable for the driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If the second light source is sized to emit high intensity light rays for main beam function, then long-range lighting is achieved, but excessive diodes are used for a function implemented less frequently than low-beam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensityVSAvoidnumber of diodes
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the light source intensity adjustable rather than fixed. The second light source can dynamically adjust its intensity output based on the operational mode (dipped beam or main beam) and cover position. This dynamic control allows the same light source to serve both functions efficiently without requiring excessive diodes, as the intensity is optimized in real-time rather than being permanently oversized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the light intensity parameter of the second light source based on the cover position and lighting mode. The control device adjusts the intensity parameter to match the actual lighting requirements, avoiding the need to permanently size the light source for maximum intensity. This parameter optimization reduces the number of diodes needed while maintaining adequate performance for both dipped and main beam functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a mask is used to cut rays for dipped beam mode, then non-dazzling lighting is achieved, but a dark bar appears at the free end edge of the cover creating an interrupted beam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedazzling effectVSAvoidbeam continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the cover movable between positions rather than using a fixed mask. The cover's dynamic positioning allows it to function as an adjustable mask that can be optimized for both dipped and main beam modes. When in the first position, it provides the necessary ray cutting for dipped beam while maintaining beam continuity through proper optical design, eliminating the dark bar issue associated with fixed masks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the movable cover as a mediating element between the light sources and the external environment. The cover acts as an adjustable intermediary that can be positioned to achieve the desired beam characteristics without creating artifacts. Its mobility allows it to serve as a flexible mediator that adapts to different lighting modes while maintaining beam continuity and eliminating the dark bar problem.

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 solution provides a single module capable of producing both non-dazzling and long-range lighting functions with uninterrupted beams, optimizing light source usage and enhancing driver comfort by eliminating the dark bar and minimizing light contrast issues.

Implementation Method 1

optical deflection devices for the light rays emitted by the light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical deflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

optical shaping of the deflected rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical shaping: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3396237B1Light module for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3396237B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3396237B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

A lighting module (1) for a motor vehicle comprises at least two light sources (2, 4), optical deflection devices (6, 8) for the light rays emitted by the light sources (2, 4), a shaping optic (10) for the deflected rays, and a cover (12, 112) arranged between the optical deflection devices and the shaping optic and capable of assuming at least two distinct positions. According to the invention, the light sources (2, 4) are controlled according to the position of the cover (12, 112).