Projection Module Bright-Dark Boundary Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle headlight projection systems face challenges in separating beam paths for different light functions without causing crosstalk or leaving dark lines at the bright-dark boundary, particularly when transitioning between low-beam and high-beam light distributions.
Innovation Solution
The system subdivides light sources into groups, with an optical element creating a horizontal bright-dark boundary for low-beam light and an additional light source group activated to generate high-beam light, allowing the two beam paths to mix and blur the boundary, preventing dark lines from forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If movable diaphragms are used to separate beam paths for different light functions, then light distribution control is improved, but device complexity and reliability deteriorate due to mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movable diaphragms with a static optical element that has a specifically contoured surface. This optical element uses optical principles (reflection, refraction, absorption) to separate beam paths for different light functions, eliminating mechanical moving parts while maintaining the ability to control light distribution patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the light source into multiple independently controllable light sources, each associated with a specific beam path. This allows different light functions (low-beam, high-beam, cornering lights) to be controlled independently through electronic switching rather than mechanical movement, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If beam paths are separated using sharp edges in the focal plane, then bright-dark boundary definition is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to dark or colored lines remaining at the boundary location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the optical element. The contoured surface has varying reflectivity, refraction, and absorption characteristics at different locations, allowing it to direct different light functions to their respective beam paths while preventing dark or colored lines from forming at the bright-dark boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (reflectivity, refraction index, absorption) of the optical element's contoured surface to optimize beam path separation. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves sharp bright-dark boundaries without the harmful dark or colored lines that would otherwise appear at the boundary location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with dedicated optical units are used, then light function versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple optical units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single contoured optical element that serves multiple functions: it separates beam paths for low-beam lights, high-beam lights, and cornering lights, and it defines the bright-dark boundary. This multi-functional optical element reduces the total number of optical units required while maintaining full light function versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate optical units into a single integrated contoured optical element. By combining beam path separation, boundary definition, and light distribution control into one component, the system achieves multiple light functions with reduced overall complexity.
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 approach enables the generation of multiple light distributions without movable diaphragms, improving illumination and reducing light module complexity, while allowing shared use of cooling and actuator systems for both functions.
Implementation Method 1
The division of the beam path can be achieved depending on the underlying physical principle by means of refraction, reflection or absorption
Implementation Method 2
The division of the beam path can be achieved depending on the underlying physical principle by means of refraction, reflection or absorption
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a projection module for a headlight. The module generates light distributions with light sources switchable independently. In order to generate a first distribution, light from a first group is coupled into an optical element in the beam path. The optical element has a reflecting underside having a contour corresponding to the bright-dark boundary. The light coupled out from the optical element is projected by a lens for generating the first distribution. A further light group is additionally activated in order to generate a second distribution. The light emitted by this group illuminates a region of the light distribution above the bright-dark boundary. Part of the light from this group is coupled into the optical element, mixes there with the light from the first group and is then coupled out together to generate an unsharp bright-dark boundary.