Rotating Prism Headlight Optics for Road Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlight systems cannot dynamically adjust the angle of light without moving the light source, limiting their ability to project patterns or images onto a road surface while maintaining a static headlight position.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle light system that uses optical elements, such as prisms, to adjust the beam pattern from a static light source, allowing the light to be directed downward onto a road surface, enabling the projection of words, images, or patterns without moving the light source itself, by rotating the prisms between nominal and writing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is physically moved to adjust the illuminated region, then the beam direction can be changed, but the headlight position cannot remain static
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the lighting function into two independent components: a static light source and a movable optical element (prism). The prism is separated from the light source and mounted on a rotation mechanism, allowing the light direction to be adjusted without moving the light source itself. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling beam direction change while maintaining headlight position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical prism serves as an intermediary element between the static light source and the road surface. By rotating the prism, the light path is redirected without moving the light source. The prism acts as a mediator that transfers light from the fixed source to variable positions on the road, solving the contradiction between static position and dynamic beam direction.
2Device complexity
If a single light source is used for both high and low beams, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to project patterns or images onto the road surface is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic control through the rotatable prism mechanism. A single static light source becomes dynamically versatile through the rotation of the optical prism, which can redirect light at different angles and positions. This dynamic element enables one light source to perform multiple functions including high beam, low beam, and pattern projection, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical prism is designed as a universal element that can redirect light for multiple purposes: high beam illumination, low beam illumination, and projection of patterns or images onto the road surface. By making the prism rotatable and controllable, a single light source system achieves multi-functionality that previously required multiple light sources or complex optical systems.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source is angled downward towards the road surface, then visibility on the road is improved, but the headlight position must be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the light source from the optical directing element. The light source remains static while the prism is mounted on a rotation mechanism that can angle the light downward toward the road surface. This segmentation allows the beam to be directed at different angles for improved road illumination without requiring physical adjustment of the headlight position.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mechanically adjusting the headlight position to change beam angle, the system uses optical redirection through a rotatable prism. The mechanical adjustment is replaced by optical element rotation, which achieves the same effect of angling light downward while keeping the headlight housing and light source position fixed.
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 creation of adjustable beam patterns that can write on a road and illuminate objects in front of a vehicle, effectively utilizing a single light source for both high and low beams, enhancing visibility and communication with other road users.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle light system and a method of operating a vehicle light system is provided as set forth in the independent claims. The present invention provides a device that aims light from a light source without adjusting the light source itself.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention provides a method and device for directing a invention provides light source onto a road surface. The present a device and method of changing a direction and angle of light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A light system comprising: (a) a light source (10) that is configured to direct light from an exterior of a vehicle; and (b) two or more optical elements (32, 34) that direct the light to two or more desired locations without movement of the light source (10), the two or more optical elements (32, 34) being in series so that the light from the light source (10) is directed through the two or more optical elements (32, 34); wherein the two or more desired locations include a driving surface and a location above the driving surface; and wherein each of the two or more optical elements (32, 34) comprising: a flat face (44), and an angled face (46) that is angled relative to the flat face (44) and is located opposite the flat face, wherein the flat face (44) of a first of the two or more optical elements (32, 34) is parallel to and faces the flat face (44) of a second of the two or more optical elements (32, 34); and wherein the two or more desired locations include directing the light towards a driving surface when the two or more optical elements (32, 34) are in a writing mode and directing the light to a location above the driving surface when the two or more optical elements (32, 34) are in a nominal mode; and wherein the light system in the writing mode creates images on the driving surface and the images include a combination of words, shapes, numbers, and patterns, and the light system in the nominal mode is a high beam or a low beam.