Switchable Headlamp Optics for Multiple Light Functions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlight systems require multiple lighting devices to implement various functions, increasing production costs and space usage due to the need for differently designed components for each function.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a lamp and optical system that includes multiple light sources and scattering elements, where the optical device can switch between transparent and scattering states, allowing for the same device to produce multiple lighting functions by adjusting the scattering cross-section, enabling a single device to produce both sharp and blurred light functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting devices are installed to implement different lighting functions, then the lighting functions are achieved, but the production cost and space required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionsVSAvoidnumber of lighting devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single lighting device that can perform multiple lighting functions by dynamically changing the optical properties of the optical device. The optical device can switch between transparent and scattering states, allowing the same physical component to produce different light patterns (sharp or blurred) for various lighting functions, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate lighting devices

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an adjustable optical device that can dynamically change its state between transparent and scattering. This dynamic capability allows the lighting device to adapt its light output characteristics in real-time, enabling a single device to fulfill multiple lighting functions that would traditionally require separate static devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting devices are installed to implement different lighting functions, then the lighting functions are achieved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionsVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single lighting device that can perform multiple lighting functions by dynamically changing the optical properties of the optical device. The optical device can switch between transparent and scattering states, allowing the same physical component to produce different light patterns (sharp or blurred) for various lighting functions, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate lighting devices

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple lighting functions into a single integrated lighting device. By merging the functionality of what would traditionally require separate devices into one unit with an adjustable optical component, the patent reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing production costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting devices are installed to implement different lighting functions, then the lighting functions are achieved, but the space required within the headlight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionsVSAvoidspace in headlight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single lighting device that can perform multiple lighting functions by dynamically changing the optical properties of the optical device. The optical device can switch between transparent and scattering states, allowing the same physical component to produce different light patterns (sharp or blurred) for various lighting functions, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate lighting devices

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple lighting functions into a single integrated lighting device. By merging the functionality of what would traditionally require separate devices into one unit with an adjustable optical component, the patent reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing production 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

Enables the implementation of multiple lighting functions in a single device, reducing production costs and space requirements while providing a compact design, with the ability to switch between clear and blurred light outputs for different functions.

Implementation Method 1

in a second operating state, which is a scattering state, the optically effective area of the optical device is designed to be scattering, so that what strikes the optically effective area of the optical device Light from the lamp interacts with the optically effective area when passing through the optically effective area to form a second light function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4290129A1Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlamp or a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP4290129A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4290129A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4290129A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle headlight, which is configured to implement at least two different lighting functions and comprises a light source (2) and an optical device (3) associated with the light source (2), wherein the optical device (3) comprises an adjustment means (5) which is configured to adjust operating states of the optical device (3), wherein in a first operating state (B1) the optical device (3) is essentially transparent, and in a second operating state (B2) the optical device (3) is diffusing, wherein the light source (2) comprises a plurality of light sources (2a) spaced apart at a minimum distance from each other, wherein the adjustment means (5) is configured to adjust the optical device (3) such that in the first operating state (B1) a direction of propagation of the light rays remains unchanged,and in the second operating state (B2) the direction of propagation of the light rays is changed by scattering the light rays at scattering elements (4c) of the optical device (3).