Projection Module Auxiliary Stop for Partial High Beam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current projection modules for motor vehicle headlights face challenges in generating a partial high beam distribution that meets legal requirements worldwide, particularly in terms of light distribution and avoidance of dazzling oncoming traffic, while minimizing light intensity in specific areas.

Innovation Solution

The projection module incorporates a vertically arranged additional screen with a vertically extending optically relevant edge spaced from the optical axis, which partially shades the second light source to create a segment in the partial high beam distribution, combined with a gap that defines the partial high beam distribution, allowing for worldwide approval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an additional aperture is added to block light from the second light source, then the partial high beam distribution can be generated to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedazzling effect on oncoming trafficVSAvoidstructure of projection module
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam baffle is divided into multiple apertures (first aperture and second aperture) with different orientations. The first aperture has a vertically extending edge for blocking light in the vertical direction, while the second aperture has a horizontally extending edge for blocking light in the horizontal direction. This segmentation allows selective blocking of light in different directions to create the partial high beam distribution pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a second aperture with a horizontal orientation to complement the first aperture's vertical orientation. By adding this second dimension of light blocking (horizontal vs. vertical), the system can create more complex light distribution patterns and achieve compliance with different regional lighting standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the aperture edge is positioned in the focal surface to produce a sharp light-dark boundary, then the light distribution precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesharpness of light-dark boundaryVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of aperture edge
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The beam baffle is divided into multiple apertures (first aperture and second aperture) with different orientations. The first aperture has a vertically extending edge for blocking light in the vertical direction, while the second aperture has a horizontally extending edge for blocking light in the horizontal direction. This segmentation allows selective blocking of light in different directions to create the partial high beam distribution pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a second aperture with a horizontal orientation to complement the first aperture's vertical orientation. By adding this second dimension of light blocking (horizontal vs. vertical), the system can create more complex light distribution patterns and achieve compliance with different regional lighting standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vertical tabs or additional vertically oriented aperture are arranged on the beam baffle to create split high beam pattern, then the high beam distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh beam distribution patternVSAvoidbeam baffle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam baffle is divided into multiple apertures (first aperture and second aperture) with different orientations. The first aperture has a vertically extending edge for blocking light in the vertical direction, while the second aperture has a horizontally extending edge for blocking light in the horizontal direction. This segmentation allows selective blocking of light in different directions to create the partial high beam distribution pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam baffle structure with multiple apertures serves multiple functions: it creates the partial high beam distribution pattern, generates sharp light-dark boundaries in both vertical and horizontal directions, and enables compliance with different regional lighting standards (ECE, CCC, FMVSS). This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables the generation of a partial high beam distribution that meets legal standards globally, reduces color fringes, and effectively manages light intensity to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, enhancing the light-dark boundary and compliance with various regulatory standards.

Implementation Method 1

a beam diaphragm (200) which is set up when the projection module (10) is used as intended in a motor vehicle headlight, to be arranged horizontally... and comprising an optically relevant aperture edge (210) for generating an asymmetric light-dark boundary

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking/absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

at least one projection lens (300) with an optical axis (A) and a focal surface (F) for projecting a light distribution in a main direction of emission (X) in front of the projection module (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP4078022B1Projection module for a motor vehicle headlight
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP4078022B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4078022B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4078022B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A projection module (10) for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising a first light source (110) and a second light source (120), a horizontally arranged beam stop (200) comprising an optically relevant stop edge (210) for producing an asymmetric light-dark boundary, wherein the first light source (110) is arranged at an upper side of the beam stop (200) and in combination with the stop edge (210) contributes to the production of a dipped beam distribution, and wherein the second light source (120) is arranged at a lower side of the beam stop (200) and contributes to the production of a full beam distribution, and a projection lens (300), wherein the projection module (10) comprises an auxiliary stop (400), which is arranged vertically below the beam stop (200) and which has a vertically extending first optically relevant stop edge (410), which is set up to partly shadow light from the second light source (120) such that a partial full beam distribution is able to be produced, and wherein the auxiliary stop (400) has a fastening section (430), wherein the first stop edge (410) has one end (411) in the vertical extent in the direction of the beam stop (200), said end (411) being at a distance from the beam stop (200), and wherein the auxiliary stop (400) has a second optically relevant stop edge (420), which extends as far as the fastening section (430) proceeding from the end (411) of the first stop edge (410), wherein the second stop edge (420) defines a slit in a projection on the beam stop (200), said slit being set up in combination with the second light source (120) to produce a segment (500) in the partial full beam distribution.