Vehicle Lamp Beam Control via Movable Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting systems are limited in their ability to produce a variety of beam patterns using a small number of light sources, and they lack efficient control over beam pattern size and position, which can impact the recognition of objects by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lamp design featuring a light source unit with at least two light sources, a reflection unit with pivotable and rotatable reflective surfaces, and a processor to control the light sources and reflector, allowing for the adjustment of beam pattern sizes and positions by varying the center positions and sizes of direct and reflected light regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small number of light sources are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to produce various beam patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position and orientation to create different beam patterns. The actuator enables the reflector to pivot and rotate, dynamically adjusting the reflected light path to produce various beam patterns from a fixed number of light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to the beam pattern generation by making the reflector position variable over time. Instead of having multiple fixed reflectors for different patterns, one reflector can be positioned in multiple locations sequentially, creating different beam patterns at different times.
2Device complexity
If the reflector position is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but control over beam pattern size and position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is designed to be movable with controlled degrees of freedom (pivoting and rotating). This dynamic capability allows the system to control beam pattern size and position by adjusting the reflector's angular position, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex multi-reflector arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to create various beam patterns, then beam pattern variety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single movable reflector performs multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple fixed reflectors or multiple light source configurations. By making the reflector adjustable, it can direct light from any light source to any region of the lens, making the reflector a universal beam shaping element.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable reflector can be positioned to create multiple reflected light paths that mimic what would be achieved with multiple fixed reflectors. The system copies the functional effect of having multiple light sources by using one light source with a dynamically positioned reflector.
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 creation of multiple beam patterns with fewer light sources, improving the recognition of objects by ADAS through optimized light output and enhanced control over beam pattern characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection unit located between the at least two light sources, and provided with a reflector configured to reflect light emitted from the at least two light sources
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a lamp for a vehicle and a control method thereof. The lamp for the vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a light source unit provided with at least two light sources, a reflection unit located between the at least two light sources and provided with a reflector configured to reflect light emitted from the at least two light sources, a lens having a first region and a second region to which direct light emitted from each of the at least two light sources is incident, and a third region to which reflected light reflected by the reflector is incident, the third region different from the first and second regions, and a processor configured to control at least one of the light source unit and the reflection unit such that a size or center position of at least one of the first to third regions changes.