Optical Unit with Periodic Scanning Reflectors for Compact Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular headlamp systems face limitations in expanding the detection range of obstacles while maintaining a compact size, as they require a large radar system to achieve wider coverage, restricting space and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical unit with a light source, an electromagnetic wave generator, a first reflector, and a second reflector that periodically change reflection directions to scan and form light distribution patterns, allowing for wider coverage without increasing the size of the radar system by using periodic reflection regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large radar system is used to expand the detection range of obstacles, then the detection range is improved, but the system size increases and available space is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light distribution function and the obstacle detection function into a single optical unit. The reflector system serves dual purposes: forming light distribution patterns for illumination and scanning electromagnetic waves for radar detection. This merging allows the system to achieve wide detection range without proportionally increasing system size, as the same optical components serve both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical unit is designed with multi-functionality, where the light source and reflector system perform both visible light illumination and electromagnetic wave scanning. The reflector can switch between forming light distribution patterns and scanning radar waves, allowing a compact system to achieve both wide-area illumination and extensive obstacle detection coverage without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light emitting elements are arranged in a row to form light distribution patterns, then the light distribution capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic reflector system that can change its reflection direction periodically to scan and form light distribution patterns. Instead of using multiple static light emitting elements arranged in a row, a single light source combined with a dynamically adjustable reflector achieves the same light distribution capability. The reflector's periodic movement allows it to redirect light to different angles, creating complex light patterns without requiring multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reflection direction parameter of the reflector dynamically to achieve different light distribution patterns. By adjusting the reflector's angle and position periodically, the system can create various light patterns and scan wide areas. This parameter-based control approach replaces the need for multiple physical light emitting elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability in light distribution.
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
Enables the formation of light distribution patterns and detection of surrounding objects over a wider range with reduced system size, preventing flickering and allowing for more flexible design and control of light distribution patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector configured to reflect emitted light emitted from the light source and electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave generator in a first reflection region whose reflection direction is changed periodically
Implementation Method 2
a second reflector configured to reflect first reflected light and first electromagnetic waves that are reflected by the first reflector again in a second reflection region whose reflection direction is changed periodically
Data Source
AI summary
The optical unit includes a light source, an electromagnetic wave generator, a first reflector configured to reflect emitted light emitted from the light source and electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave generator in a first reflection region whose reflection direction is changed periodically, and a second reflector configured to reflect first reflected light reflected by the first reflector and first electromagnetic waves again in a second reflection region whose reflection direction is changed periodically. The first reflector is configured to scan the second reflection region with the first reflected light and the first electromagnetic waves. The second reflector is configured to form a light distribution pattern by performing scanning with second reflected light, and to detect a surrounding object by performing scanning with second electromagnetic waves.