Single Light Source Headlight Using Polarization Beam Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current headlight systems require multiple light source modules for high and low beams, leading to increased complexity, reduced reliability due to high junction temperature, and shorter lifespan of laser diodes, as well as higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A headlight system with a single light source module that selectively changes the polarization of the beam from linearly polarized light to circularly or elliptically polarized light, allowing the beam to be output to one or two paths depending on the mode, using a controller to adjust the light quantity and control the optical units for high and low beam modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light source modules are used for high beam and low beam, then beam distribution and lighting modes are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source module is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different beam patterns. The module uses a beam splitting optical system with polarization optics to direct light to different reflectors (first reflector for low beam, second reflector for high beam), allowing one light source to replace what traditionally required separate modules for each beam type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light source modules are used for high beam and low beam, then lighting modes are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate high beam and low beam light source modules into a single integrated module. The beam splitting optical system combines multiple optical components (polarization beam splitter, quarter wave plate, reflectors) within one module housing, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining both lighting modes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high power is applied to laser diode to maximize light output, then light quantity is improved, but junction temperature increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitting optical system segments the total light output into different paths based on polarization. The polarization beam splitter divides the beam into P-polarized and S-polarized components, directing them to different reflectors. This allows efficient use of the laser diode output without requiring excessive power, as the optical system effectively distributes the available light to meet both high beam and low beam requirements.
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 solution reduces the number of fixtures and optical parts, enhances reliability by minimizing junction temperature, and prolongs the lifespan of the light source unit while maintaining effective beam distribution for both high and low beam modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical unit configured to output as a second beam having a characteristic of a circularly polarized light or an elliptically polarized light when the first beam is incident
Implementation Method 2
a second optical unit configured to output the first beam directly incident from the light source unit to a first path by projecting the first beam, to output a first component of the second beam incident from the first optical unit to the first path by separating the second beam and projecting the first component, and to output a second component to a second path by reflecting the second component
Data Source
AI summary
A high beam and a low beam is disclosed, the headlight including: a first light source unit; a second light source unit; a first light output unit; a second light output unit; and a controller configured to adjust a light quantity irradiated from the light source in response to a low beam mode or a high beam mode, and to control a beam output of the first light output unit and the second light output unit by allowing the first optical unit to be arranged selectively on a light path between the light source unit and the second optical unit.