Trifunctional Vehicle Headlight With Optical Waveguide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlight technologies can only generate two distinct light functions, low-beam and high-beam lights, and lack a third functional capability.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design that incorporates a third light source with its light guided via an optical waveguide to an optical intermediate plane, allowing for the generation of a third light function, such as daytime running or position light, while minimizing imaging issues like black lines through the use of reflective coatings and optical waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a luminaire is designed with only two light sources (one for low-beam, one for high-beam), then the device complexity is low, but the functionality is limited to two light functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single light source to perform multiple light functions through the use of an optical intermediate plane. The first light source can generate both low-beam light (first light function) and daytime running light (second light function) by directing light to different regions of the optical intermediate plane, thus allowing one light source to serve multiple purposes without adding additional light sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical intermediate plane into different regions (first region for low-beam, second region for daytime running light) that can be independently illuminated. This segmentation allows a single light source to create multiple distinct light patterns by selectively illuminating different regions, effectively multiplying the functionality without increasing the number of light sources
2Manufacturing precision
If an optical waveguide is used to guide light from the second light source to the optical intermediate plane, then imaging problems like black lines are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical waveguide as an intermediary component between the second light source and the optical intermediate plane. This waveguide acts as a mediator that transports light while maintaining image quality and eliminating defects like black lines, thereby improving imaging quality without requiring direct line-of-sight illumination that would complicate the overall optical design
3Volume of moving object
If the luminaire is made compact by using a shared optical intermediate plane, then the volume is reduced, but the light distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the compactness vs. control dilemma by introducing the optical intermediate plane as an additional dimensional space. Different light functions are projected onto different regions of this intermediate plane, allowing multiple light patterns to coexist in a compact volume. The regions can be selectively illuminated to control which light function is active, maintaining ease of operation despite the compact design
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 a compact trifunctional projector capable of producing low-beam, high-beam, and additional light functions like daytime running or position lights, with improved light distribution and reduced imaging problems.
Implementation Method 1
the light from which is substantially emitted to a reflector and is deflected by the latter to a first region of an optical intermediate plane
Implementation Method 2
the light from which is led or guided via an optical waveguide to a second region of the optical intermediate plane
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a lighting fixture comprising at least three light functions, said lighting fixture being a trifunctional projector. In particular, a vehicle headlight is disclosed, which has in addition to a dipped beam and a main beam a daytime running light and/or a position light as a further light function.