Vehicle Light Beam Projection System with Refractive and Caustic Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive vehicle lighting systems for signaling and pattern projection are complex and inefficient, requiring multiple components and reflection systems to produce both signaling beams and pattern projections, which can be costly and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A light beam projection system using a refractive optical member for signaling beams and a controlled pattern-generating surface, such as a caustic surface, to produce a second beam for projecting patterns on the ground, allowing for a more flexible and cost-effective solution by sharing components and integrating the system into a headlamp unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional reflection system with multiple components is used to produce both signaling beams and pattern projections, then the signaling function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signaling beam generation and pattern projection functions into a single integrated optical system. The reflector serves dual purposes: generating the signaling beam and creating the pattern projection, eliminating the need for separate reflection systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements, particularly the reflector and lens, are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The reflector generates both the signaling beam and contributes to pattern formation, while the lens shapes both beams, making the system more efficient and less complex.
2Illumination intensity
If a complex reflection system is used to produce signaling beams and patterns, then the visual indication is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the signaling and pattern projection functions into a single optical path with shared components, the manufacturing cost is reduced. The system uses one light source, one reflector, and one lens instead of multiple separate systems, simplifying production and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs free-form surfaces with controlled local variations instead of traditional cylindrical or parabolic surfaces. This parameter change in surface geometry allows a single optical element to achieve both signaling and pattern projection functions, reducing the number of components needed and lowering manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for signaling beams and pattern projections, then the functional requirements are met, but the system integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signaling beam and pattern projection into a single integrated optical system where both functions share common components (light source, reflector, lens). This integration is achieved through careful optical design rather than physical separation, making the system easier to implement.
4Shape
If traditional optical surfaces (cylindrical, parabolic, elliptical) are used, then the beam shaping is achieved, but the pattern projection flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface geometry parameters from traditional cylindrical, parabolic, or elliptical surfaces to free-form surfaces with controlled local variations. This parameter change enables the optical element to project complex patterns while maintaining proper beam shaping, providing greater flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-form surface incorporates local variations in specific regions to create the desired pattern projection, while maintaining the overall optical properties needed for beam shaping. This local differentiation allows the surface to perform multiple functions simultaneously.
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 system provides a simpler, cost-effective method for producing both signaling beams and pattern projections, enhancing visual indication for vehicle drivers and pedestrians while maintaining a compact design, thereby improving safety and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the first device comprises at least one refractive optical member for shaping the first beam
Implementation Method 2
the second device comprises at least one optical element having a controlled pattern-generating surface configured to deflect light rays from a light source
Implementation Method 3
use is made of the original technology based on caustic generating surfaces for creating the pattern-generating surface and producing the desired patterns
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for projecting light beams for a vehicle, including a first device configured to generate a first beam which performs a signaling function and a second device configured to generate at least a second beam for projecting a pattern, with the first device including at least one refractive optical member for shaping the first beam and in that the second device includes at least one optical element having a controlled pattern-generating surface to deflect light rays from a light source, this generating surface having local variations arranged so as to form a predetermined pattern in the second beam.