Single LED Module for Multi-Function Vehicle Headlamp

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The use of separate LED modules for each light function in vehicle headlights increases costs and installation space, as each module requires its own reflector and lens, making it inefficient for implementing multiple lighting functions.

Innovation Solution

A single light-emitting diode module with multiple light-emitting areas, controlled independently, is used in conjunction with a single reflector to achieve various light functions such as low beam, bad weather, highway, high beam, and daytime running lights, by strategically arranging and activating different light-emitting diode areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate LED modules are used for each light function, then each light function can be implemented with dedicated optics, but costs and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight function implementationVSAvoidnumber of modules
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single LED module with multiple independently controllable LED groups is designed to perform multiple light functions (low beam, high beam, daytime running lights, highway lights, bad weather lights). Each LED group can be activated or deactivated to create different light distributions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated modules for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple LED groups that would traditionally require separate modules are merged into a single integrated LED module. The module includes multiple LED groups with independently controllable light emission, allowing one module to replace several separate modules while maintaining all required light functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If separate LED modules are used for each light function, then each function has dedicated control, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight function controlVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple LED groups are combined in a single module with compact arrangement. The LED groups are positioned at different locations within the module (front, rear, left, right sides) and can be independently controlled, achieving space-efficient integration while maintaining full functional control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED groups are arranged in a two-dimensional plane within the single module, with groups positioned at different lateral and longitudinal positions. This spatial arrangement within the module plane allows multiple functions to be achieved without increasing the overall installation footprint.

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

3Reliability

If separate LED modules are used for each light function, then each module has its own reflector and lens, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical functionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single reflector and lens assembly is designed to work with multiple LED groups within one module. The optical components are configured to handle light from different LED group positions and orientations, enabling one set of optics to serve multiple light functions instead of requiring separate optics for each module.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector and lens components that would traditionally be separate for each module are merged into a shared optical system. This single optical assembly serves all LED groups within the module, reducing the total number of optical components required and lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for the implementation of multiple light functions with reduced complexity and cost, while maintaining precise control over light distribution, and is easier to produce and control, as all light-emitting diodes are arranged in a common plane.

Implementation Method 1

the light source being composed of a number of light-emitting diodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the light emitted by the light source being reflected via a reflector into the exterior of the headlight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2058585B1Light source for a vehicle headlamp or a light unit of a vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2012.05.30 ZIZALA LICHTSYST
  • EP2058585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2058585B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2058585B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The light source (LIQ) has a light source level using two calculation straight lines which run parallel to each other. The light source level is subdivided into two classification areas. A light emission area is constructed from multiple light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode is adjacent to calculation straight line. The calculation straight line separates both the classification areas from each other. The light is reflected by a reflector (REF) in an outer chamber of the headlamp or a lighting unit (LEH).