Optical Fiber Laser Light Device Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle light devices face spatial constraints and inefficiencies due to the need for multiple light sources, focusing optics, and movable scanning means, which result in bulky designs and suboptimal light beam shaping, particularly for highway lighting functions.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical fiber to direct the laser light beam from the source to the movable scanning means, combined with anamorphic optics and potentially multiple laser sources, allows for improved beam shaping and focusing while respecting geometrical constraints, enabling a more compact and efficient light device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources and focusing optics are used to improve light intensity and beam shaping, then lighting performance is improved, but device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (laser diodes) and their focusing optics into a single integrated optical module. The optical fiber bundle merges the output from multiple lasers into a unified beam path, eliminating the need for separate focusing optics for each source and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high light intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber acts as an intermediary element that transmits light from multiple laser sources to the scanning means. This intermediary allows the decoupling of light generation from beam shaping and scanning functions, enabling simplified device architecture while preserving lighting performance
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources and scanning means are used to improve highway lighting functions, then lighting coverage is improved, but the spatial requirements at the front of the motor vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple laser sources are merged into a single optical path through the fiber bundle, allowing their combined lighting coverage capability to be achieved within the spatial footprint of a single source system. The scanning means then distributes this combined light across the required highway lighting area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses scanning means (acoustic or mechanical) to project the light beam in different directions and positions, effectively expanding the lighting coverage in spatial dimensions without increasing the physical size of the light device itself. This allows comprehensive highway lighting from a compact front-mounted unit
3Manufacturing precision
If the spot on wavelength conversion material is elongated in a preferred direction, then cutout quality is improved, but the ability to create rectangular spots is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning means provides dynamic control over the orientation and shape of the light spot on the wavelength conversion material. By adjusting scanning parameters in real-time, the system can adapt the spot shape between elongated (for cutout quality) and rectangular configurations, making the spot geometry flexible rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (such as scanning angle, beam focus, or polarization) to transform the spot shape from elongated to rectangular. This parameter adjustment allows the same optical system to optimize for different functions: elongated spots for precise cutouts and rectangular spots for general illumination areas
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 configuration enhances the light device's performance by maintaining resolution and power while reducing bulkiness, allowing for precise beam shaping and increased power without increasing module count, thus addressing spatial constraints and improving automotive lighting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber arranged for receiving on an input face the laser light beam emitted by the laser light source and for directing said laser light beam toward the scanning means
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength conversion material capable of converting one part of a laser light beam, diffusing another part of the laser light beam
Implementation Method 3
a movable scanning means formed by one or more micro-mirrors intended to scan a light beam passing through said movable scanning means
Data Source
AI summary
A light device, notably for a motor vehicle including at least one laser light source emitting a laser light beam, a wavelength conversion material capable of converting one part of a laser light beam, diffusing another part of the laser light beam and combining the diffused and converted parts into a resultant primary light beam, a movable scanning means for scanning the laser light beam onto the wavelength conversion material, an optical means of projection of the primary light beam, an optical fiber arranged for receiving on an input face the laser light beam emitted by the laser light source and for directing the laser light beam toward the movable scanning means.