Multi-Focal Vehicle Headlight Lighting Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Bi-function Poly-Ellipsoidal System (PES) in automotive headlamps results in a dark area between the high beam and low beam patterns due to the thickness of shutters, which persists even with transparent shutters, limiting design flexibility and light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module with a multi-focal secondary optics system that splits light from both low beam and high beam sources into parts directed to different focal areas on various focal planes, using primary optics to redirect these parts for optimal projection, eliminating the dark area by creating a smooth transition between beam patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an opaque shutter is used to switch between high beam and low beam, then beam switching is enabled, but a dark area exists in the final projected beam pattern due to shutter thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light beam into multiple segments using a multi-focal projection lens with different focal planes. Each focal plane processes a portion of the light, allowing independent control of high beam and low beam regions. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single opaque shutter and prevents the formation of dark areas by distributing light through multiple optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional optical system with multiple focal planes instead of a single-plane shutter mechanism. By utilizing different focal depths (z-dimension), the system can project light patterns at varying distances, enabling smooth transitions between high and low beams without creating dark zones that would occur with traditional two-dimensional shutter approaches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent shutter is used instead of opaque shutter, then design freedom is improved, but dark area may still persist between high beam and low beam patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-focal projection lens that segments light into multiple focal planes, each capable of independent light distribution control. This allows transparent shutters to be positioned at different focal depths, with each plane contributing to either high beam or low beam projection. The segmented approach ensures complete light utilization and eliminates dark areas by coordinating multiple focal planes rather than relying on a single transparent shutter position.
3Device complexity
If traditional single-focal optics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but design freedom for placing light sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple focal planes within the projection lens, creating segmented optical zones that can independently handle different beam requirements. This segmentation provides distinct spatial regions for positioning high beam and low beam light sources, granting design freedom without requiring a complete overhaul of the optical architecture. Each focal plane can be optimized independently while maintaining overall system integration.
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
This solution enhances design flexibility and light distribution by creating a smooth transition between high and low beam patterns, reducing the dark area and optimizing light intensity, resulting in improved vehicle headlight performance.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-focal secondary optics (13)... the first primary optics is configured to receive and redirect a first part of light from the first light source to the first focal plane... and redirect a second part of the light from the first light source to the second focal plane
Implementation Method 2
the first primary optics is configured to receive and redirect a first part of light from the first light source to the first focal plane... and redirect a second part of the light from the first light source to the second focal plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(a)
Figure 4(b)~4(c)
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of automotive front-lighting, and particularly to a lighting module for a vehicle headlight. The lighting module comprises a first light source (11), a first primary optics (12), and a multi-focal secondary optics (13). The multi-focal secondary optics (13) comprises a first focal point (F1) on a first focal plane (P1) and a second focal point (F2) on a second focal plane (P2). The first primary optics (12) is configured to receive and redirect a first part of light from the first light source (111) to a first focal area (S11) on the first focal plane (P1) and a second part of the light from the first light source (112) to a first focal area (S21) on the second focal plane (P2). The multi-focal secondary optics (13) is configured to receive and redirect light from the first focal area (S11) on the first focal plane (P1) and the first focal area (S21) on the second focal plane (P2) onto a road in front of the vehicle.