Vehicle Headlight Module Using Segmented LED Arrays for Space-Constrained Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlight systems require multiple light modules and optical units to generate specific light distributions, resulting in increased installation space and complexity, particularly when attempting to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

Innovation Solution

A single light module with a combination of a first LED light source and optics unit for a wide beam, and a second LED light module with a matrix arrangement for a narrow beam, allowing for generation of multiple light distributions, including low beam, freeway, and cornering light functions, using a sensor-controlled system to adjust based on detected objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light modules with different optical units are used to generate different light distributions, then comprehensive illumination coverage is improved, but installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution coverageVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single light module that can generate multiple light distributions (low beam, high beam, cornering light, freeway light) by controlling different LED groups within the same module. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate light modules, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple LED light sources (first LED group for wide beam, second LED group for narrow beam) into a single integrated light module with a unified optical unit. This merging of previously separate light modules into one consolidated unit reduces the overall installation space while preserving the ability to generate various light distributions through selective activation of different LED groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical units with different imaging characteristics are combined, then ability to generate specific light distributions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution generation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of optical units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single optical unit is designed to handle multiple lighting functions by receiving light from different LED groups. The first LED group generates wide beam light for low beam and cornering functions, while the second LED group generates narrow beam light for high beam and freeway functions. This universal optical unit replaces multiple specialized optical units, reducing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The light module is segmented into different LED groups (first LED group and second LED group) that can be independently controlled to generate different beam types. This segmentation allows a single optical unit to handle multiple lighting functions by selectively activating appropriate LED groups, thereby reducing the need for multiple optical units and simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If a single light module is used to reduce space, then installation space is reduced, but ability to generate multiple light distributions simultaneously is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidlight distribution generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single light module is internally segmented into multiple independently controllable LED groups: the first LED group for wide beam applications (low beam, cornering light) and the second LED group for narrow beam applications (high beam, freeway light). This segmentation enables the single module to generate multiple different light distributions by selectively activating appropriate LED groups, maintaining versatility while minimizing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the beam characteristics by controlling which LED groups are activated and how they are driven. By adjusting the activation state and drive parameters of different LED groups within the single module, the system can dynamically generate various light distributions (wide beam or narrow beam, different intensities) to meet different driving conditions, thereby maintaining adaptability within a compact single-module design.

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

This configuration reduces the space required for light distribution generation, enabling comprehensive illumination of vehicle surroundings while minimizing glare for oncoming traffic by dynamically switching light distributions based on object position.

Implementation Method 1

A headlight for vehicles has a housing (1) in which a first light module (2) with an LED light source (3) and a first optics unit (4) for generating a basic light distribution (5) are arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2223010B1Headlight for vehicles
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP2223010B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a headlight for vehicles having a light module, which contains at least one LED light source and an optical unit, a first light module being designed such that basic light distribution can be generated, and a second light module being designed such that an auxiliary light distribution, which at least partially overlaps the basic light distribution, can be generated.