Three-Lens Projection Optics for Sharp Low-Chromatic ADB Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems for vehicles face challenges in achieving satisfactory optical resolution and chromatic correction while using complex lens systems for ADB beams, necessitating a simpler and more efficient solution.

Innovation Solution

An optical device comprising a first converging lens, a second diverging or neutral lens, a pupil, and a third converging lens is used to project light beams from a pixelated light source, reducing the number of lenses to three while maintaining sharpness and limiting chromatic aberration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a complex lens system is used to correct chromatic aberration and improve projection sharpness, then optical quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection sharpnessVSAvoidlens system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is segmented into three distinct lenses with specific functions: a first converging lens for initial light gathering, a second diverging lens for chromatic aberration correction, and a third converging lens for final focusing. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve the desired optical quality without requiring a single complex lens system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pupil aperture is introduced as an intermediary element between the second and third lenses. This pupil acts as a mediator that controls the light rays passing through the system, enabling precise control over the projection sharpness and chromatic aberration correction while maintaining a relatively simple three-lens structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If more lenses are added to improve optical processing, then chromatic aberration is reduced, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechromatic aberrationVSAvoidnumber of lenses
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chromatic aberration correction is segmented and distributed across specific lenses in the three-lens system. The second diverging lens is specifically designed for chromatic correction, while the first and third converging lenses handle focusing functions. This segmentation of functions allows effective chromatic aberration reduction without requiring multiple dedicated correction lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each lens in the system performs multiple functions: the first converging lens gathers light and begins focusing, the second diverging lens corrects chromatic aberration while also contributing to focus control, and the third converging lens completes the focusing process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

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

3Productivity

If the pupil is positioned closer to the second lens, then light projection efficiency is improved, but projection sharpness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight projection efficiencyVSAvoidprojection sharpness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows for dynamic positioning of the pupil aperture relative to the second lens. By adjusting the pupil position, the system can optimize the balance between light projection efficiency and projection sharpness for different operating conditions. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to adapt to various requirements without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes parameter changes in the pupil position and lens configurations to optimize performance. By varying the distance between the pupil and second lens, and adjusting the focal lengths and positions of the converging and diverging lenses, the system can achieve different balances between efficiency and sharpness depending on the specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides a segmented beam with improved sharpness and reduced chromatic effects, achieving higher brightness and efficient light projection with a simplified lens system.

Implementation Method 1

a first converging lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a first converging lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

a second diverging or neutral lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

reduce chromatic aberration at the edges of switched-off pixels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromatic aberration correction:

Implementation Method 5

a pupil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAperture stop: Spatial Filter

Implementation Method 6

a third converging lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 7

a third converging lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP4437376B1Projection optical device with three lenses
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4437376B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4437376B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical device for projecting light beams, capable of cooperating with a pixelated light source, comprising a plurality of selectively activatable emissive elements (1), characterised in that it consists of the following components, arranged in succession along the path of the light rays (11) from the source: a convergent first lens (2), a divergent or neutral second lens (3), a pupil (4) and a convergent third lens (5).