Rotary Lighting Module for Adaptive Vehicle Headlamps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlamps struggle to efficiently combine multiple lighting and signaling functions in a simple and compact design, lacking the ability to adapt lighting based on driving conditions and visibility.

Innovation Solution

A headlamp module with rotating semiconductor light sources and an optical system comprising lenses, mirrors, or a reflector, capable of producing both main and dipped beams, controlled by an actuator to adjust beam width and intensity based on driving conditions and visibility, using a control device that analyzes road scene and vehicle state information to determine the appropriate lighting function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting and signaling functions are combined in a single headlamp module, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function adaptabilityVSAvoidmodule construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple lighting functions (high beam, low beam, daytime running light, turn signal) into a single modular headlamp assembly. Each module contains an optical system with rotatable components that can perform different lighting functions by adjusting the orientation of reflectors and light sources, allowing one module to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components

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

Solution Approach 2:

The headlamp is divided into independent modular units, each containing its own optical system, light sources, and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each module to be independently designed, manufactured, and adjusted to perform specific lighting functions, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the optical system is made rotatable to adjust beam direction, then the adaptability to driving conditions is improved, but the device complexity and mechanical components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam direction adaptabilityVSAvoidmechanical rotation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic rotatable optical systems within each module that can change the direction of light beams in real-time. The optical components (reflectors, lenses) are mounted on rotatable mechanisms driven by actuators, allowing the beam direction to be dynamically adjusted according to driving conditions such as cornering, high-speed travel, or poor visibility, transforming a static lighting system into an adaptive one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reduces mechanical complexity by using semiconductor light sources (LEDs) that can be electronically controlled and positioned, partially replacing traditional mechanical bulb-and-reflector assemblies. The rotation mechanisms are integrated into the module design with compact actuators, minimizing the mechanical footprint while maintaining rotational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the headlamp provides both high beam and low beam functions, then the versatility is improved, but the risk of glare to other road users increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam type versatilityVSAvoidglare to other road users
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable optical systems allow dynamic control over beam direction and distribution. When high beam is activated, the system can selectively direct light away from oncoming traffic paths by adjusting the rotation angle, reducing glare while maintaining illumination where needed. The system adapts beam patterns in real-time based on detected traffic conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different optical characteristics in different regions of the beam pattern. The high beam function provides intense illumination in specific directions while incorporating dark zones or reduced intensity areas in directions where oncoming traffic may be present. This local variation in light quality allows simultaneous achievement of high beam versatility and glare reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 adaptive lighting that enhances visibility, reduces glare, and maintains regulatory compliance by dynamically adjusting beam patterns and intensity to suit cornering, high-speed driving, and poor visibility conditions, while ensuring consistent and effective illumination.

Implementation Method 1

a light source (22) fixed relative to the actuator (12), capable of emitting light rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a reflector (20) interacting with the light source (22) to form a light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an optical system comprising one or more lenses and/or one or more mirrors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

optical system comprising one or more lenses and/or one or more mirrors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP2957464B1Rotary lighting and/or signalling module
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2957464B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2957464B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2957464B1 patent drawingFigure 7a~7e

AI summary

A projector comprises an assembly of at least two lighting and/or signaling modules, particularly for motor vehicles, in which each module includes an optical system comprising means for deflecting light rays emitted by a light source (22) so as to form a primary light beam towards the front of the vehicle, the summation of the primary light beams forming at the output an overall light beam of the assembly. Each module is mounted to rotate laterally to move the corresponding primary light beam. A control device is capable of generating, separately for each module, rotational control instructions for the optical system.The invention also relates to a method of controlling such a projector in which one or more modules are controlled in rotation to produce lighting adapted to a specific driving situation based on the analysis of state information of the road scene and/or the vehicle.