Variable-Focus Headlamp Optics for Multi-Resolution Light Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices for motor vehicles require multiple modules to generate different light distributions with varying resolutions, leading to complex designs and higher costs.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a projection lens that can switch between two focal lengths, allowing for different light distributions to be generated using a single module by adjusting the focal length through an adjuster, such as an electromagnet or stepper motor, to change the pixel density and field of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modules with different resolutions are used to generate different light distributions, then different resolutions can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to generate different light distributions with different resolutionsVSAvoidnumber of modules required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the projection lens adjustable between different focal lengths. The projection lens can be moved between a first position (shorter focal length for high resolution) and a second position (longer focal length for lower resolution), allowing a single module to dynamically adapt to different light distribution requirements without needing multiple fixed modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the focal length of the projection lens to achieve different resolutions. By changing the focal length parameter of the existing projection lens, the system can generate both high-resolution and lower-resolution light distributions, eliminating the need for multiple modules with different fixed parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modules are used to achieve different resolutions, then various light distributions can be generated, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to generate high beam and symbol light distributionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single projection lens that can perform multiple functions by adjusting its focal length. The same projection lens serves both high-resolution symbol projection and lower-resolution high beam functions, making the system multi-functional and reducing manufacturing costs associated with producing multiple specialized modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the projection lens has a fixed focal length, then the design is simpler, but different resolutions cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection lens designVSAvoidability to generate different pixel densities

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the projection lens dynamic rather than fixed. The projection lens is designed to be movable between different positions, allowing it to change focal length based on operational requirements. This dynamic design maintains relative simplicity while enabling different resolutions through positional adjustment rather than requiring multiple complex fixed lenses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 generation of different light distributions with varying resolutions using a simpler and less expensive design by eliminating the need for multiple modules, while also protecting the device from sunlight damage.

Implementation Method 1

The adjuster can contain an electromagnet and at least one spring. When the electromagnets are activated, the projection lens can be switched from the first setting to the second

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

When the power is switched off, the at least one spring returns the projection lens to the first setting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a projection lens with which the light emitted from the active surface is projected outward from the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12504141B2Lighting device for a motor vehicle, in particular a high-definition headlamp

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA

AI summary

A lighting device for a motor vehicle, in particular a high-definition headlamp, includes an imaging component that has an active surface on which light-emitting diodes or laser diodes are arranged in a matrix to generate pixels in a light distribution in a targeted manner, and a projection lens with which the light emitted from the active surface is projected outward from the motor vehicle when the lighting device is in operation. The lighting device is designed to switch the projection lens from a first setting to a second and from the second setting to the first. The projection lens has a first focal length in the first setting, and a second focal length in the second setting, which is greater than the first focal length.