Vehicle Lamp Projection Lens with Array Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lamps using projector type optical systems face limitations in reinforcing light distribution patterns and improving design flexibility, as they often underutilize light sources and compromise on appearance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lamp design featuring a projection lens with multiple focal points, accompanied by a light source and array light sources, where the array light sources emit additional light distribution patterns that overlap with the primary pattern, enhancing light distribution and design freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a projector type optical system with a single light source is used, then the structure is simple, but the light distribution pattern cannot be reinforced and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the projector type optical system multi-functional by enabling it to form both the primary light distribution pattern and additional light distribution patterns using the same optical components (projection lens and light source). The light source serves multiple purposes: creating the main pattern through the reflector and projection lens, and creating additional patterns by directing light through different paths (e.g., through the projection lens directly or through additional optical elements), thereby reinforcing the overall light distribution without requiring entirely separate optical systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light distribution function into multiple independent patterns: a primary light distribution pattern formed by the reflector and projection lens, and additional light distribution patterns formed by directing light through different optical paths. This segmentation allows each pattern to be independently controlled and optimized, with the ability to activate specific patterns based on driving conditions, thus enhancing design flexibility while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
2Illumination intensity
If array light sources are added to form additional light distribution patterns, then light distribution is reinforced, but the lamp appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the additional light distribution pattern formation function into the existing projector type optical system. Instead of adding separate array light sources that would be visible and affect appearance, the invention utilizes the existing light source and projection lens to create additional patterns. The optical elements are integrated into the lamp housing structure, and the multiple light paths are combined through the same projection lens, thereby reinforcing light distribution while maintaining a clean, unified lamp appearance without exposed additional light-emitting components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the projection lens is divided into upper and lower parts, then multiple focal points are achieved, but the appearance design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different focal points and light distribution characteristics in different regions of the optical system. The projection lens is designed with varying optical properties across its surface or in different zones, allowing different parts of the lens to focus light at different points. This enables the formation of multiple light distribution patterns (e.g., high beam, low beam, fog light patterns) using a single integrated lens structure, thereby achieving functional versatility while maintaining a unified, aesthetically pleasing lamp appearance without visible divisions.
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 proposed design effectively reinforces predetermined light distribution patterns, increases the degree of freedom in designing light distribution patterns, and maintains the lamp's appearance by utilizing light sources more efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a projection lens having a first lens portion forming a first rear focal point and a second lens portion forming a second rear focal point
Implementation Method 2
a reflector configured to reflect the light emitted from the light source toward the first rear focal point of the projection lens
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
This vehicle lamp is provided with: a projection lens (12); a first light source (14) disposed rearward from the projection lens (12), the first light source (14) emitting a light (L) forming a low beam light distribution pattern (PL) that is a prescribed light distribution pattern; a reflector (15) that reflects the light (L) emitted from the first light source (14) toward a first rear focal point (F1) of the projection lens (12); and a second array light source (17) that is disposed rearward from the projection lens (12) and has a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements (55) aligned at least in one row. The second array light source (17) is configured so as to emit a light (LA2) that forms an additional light distribution pattern (P2), and on a vertical virtual screen at the front of the lamp, the center position (O) of the additional light distribution pattern (P2) or the maximum light amount position overlaps the low beam light distribution pattern (PL).