Piezoelectric Oscillating Mirror for Vehicle Headlamp Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlamp systems face challenges with fragile micro-mirrors used in adaptive driving beams, which are prone to mechanical and thermal stress, and complex control systems, limiting their robustness and efficiency in scanning large angular sectors.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system using a metal strip oscillating reflective body driven by a piezoelectric operating member, combined with optical amplification means such as convex mirrors or lenses, to scan and amplify the light beam over a large angular sector, providing a robust and simpler design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If micro-mirrors are used to scan the light beam over a large angular sector, then the scanning capability is improved, but the mechanical and thermal robustness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning capabilityVSAvoidmechanical and thermal robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical micro-mirror system with a piezoelectric actuator that directly drives a reflective body. This substitution eliminates the fragile hinge lines and mechanical complexity of micro-mirrors while achieving the same scanning function through piezoelectric deformation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical rotation to piezoelectric deformation, utilizing electrical parameter control to achieve precise positioning of the reflective body. This parameter change enables robust operation while maintaining scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If micro-mirrors are used for light beam scanning, then the scanning angular sector is increased, but the thermal management becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning angular sectorVSAvoidthermal management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the micro-mirror system with a piezoelectrically actuated reflective body that has superior thermal management capabilities. The piezoelectric material and reflective body structure are designed to handle thermal loads more effectively than micro-mirrors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a reflective body that can be easily replaced if thermally damaged, rather than relying on fragile micro-mirrors that are already prone to thermal issues. The reflective body is designed to be robust and replaceable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If micro-mirrors are used to deflect the light beam, then the scanning precision is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical control system required for micro-mirrors with a simpler piezoelectric actuation system. The piezoelectric material's direct electrical-to-mechanical conversion simplifies the control architecture while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric actuator provides self-contained actuation with inherent precision through its material properties, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and control mechanisms that would be required for micro-mirror arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively covers a larger angular sector with reduced optical power loss and improved thermal management, enhancing the robustness and reliability of the headlamp system while preventing overheating.

Implementation Method 1

the oscillating reflective body is moved by deformations of a piezoelectric operating member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one oscillating reflective body used to deflect the path of the beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the means for scanning the light beam also having optical means for amplifying the deflection of the path of the light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical amplification: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS9863598B2Vehicle lighting system having an oscillating reflecting body moved by a piezoelectric operating member

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

A lighting system that includes a light source able to generate a light beam and means for scanning the light beam incorporating at least one oscillating reflective body for deflecting the path of the beam. The oscillating reflective body is moved by deformations of a piezoelectric operating member. The means for scanning the light beam also have optical means for amplifying the deflection of the path of the light beam positioned downstream of the reflective body, in relation to the propagation direction of the light beam.