Vehicle Light Module Combining Headlamp and LIDAR Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles face challenges with limited installation space for lighting and sensor systems, exacerbated by aesthetic considerations, and the need for precise installation and adjustment of headlights and LIDAR systems to ensure functionality.
Innovation Solution
A light module integrating a first laser arrangement for lighting and a second laser arrangement for LIDAR, both utilizing a pivotable micromirror and separate optics, allowing independent operation of lighting and measuring functions in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lighting and LIDAR systems are installed in motor vehicles, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the installation space requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate lighting and LIDAR systems into a single integrated light module. The housing contains both a light source assembly for illumination and a sensor assembly for LIDAR measurements, sharing common structural support and mounting mechanisms. This merging reduces the total installation space required while maintaining the independent functionality and reliability of both systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The light module housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for both lighting and LIDAR components, acts as a mounting interface for the entire assembly, and enables both illumination and sensing operations from a single installed location. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to support diverse operational requirements.
2Reliability
If separate lighting and LIDAR systems are installed in motor vehicles, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lighting and LIDAR systems into a single modular assembly with common mounting interfaces and alignment mechanisms. The housing provides a unified structure that simplifies installation procedures and reduces the number of separate adjustments required, while maintaining the functional independence and reliability of each subsystem.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional light-emitting diodes are used instead of laser light sources, then the eye safety is improved, but the luminance and light output are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs laser light sources that generate high-luminance light beams, which are then converted to broader spectrum light with reduced peak intensity through interaction with light-converting materials. This parameter transformation maintains the beneficial high output of lasers while reducing the harmful concentrated intensity that poses eye safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-converting materials as an intermediary between the laser light source and the external environment. These materials convert the concentrated laser beam into expanded light patterns, effectively mediating between the high-luminance laser source and safety requirements by distributing the light energy over a larger area.
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 simultaneous and independent operation of lighting and LIDAR functions, optimizing space utilization and functionality while accommodating aesthetic design requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the laser beam/laser beams of which is/are directed to a pivotable micromirror controlled by a mirror control and from there to a light-converting means
Implementation Method 2
the laser beam is converted by an interconnected converter containing a luminescence-converting material, called 'phosphor' for short, from, e.g., blue light to preferably 'white' light
Implementation Method 3
a LIDAR entry optics, which sends light from the second laser arrangement reflected in the exterior space to a detector array, as a LIDAR system
Data Source
AI summary
A light module for motor vehicles, having a first laser arrangement (LS), which contains at least one laser light source (L1, L2, L3, L4) which can be modulated, the laser beam(s) (b1, b2, b3, b4) of which is/are directed to a pivotable micromirror (6) controlled by a mirror control (8) and from there to a light-converting means (7), and having a lighting optics (9) for projecting the illumination pattern generated by the light-converting means (10) into the traffic space/roadway, as a lighting system, and having a second laser arrangement (VL), which contains at least one laser light source (H1, H2, H3), the laser beam/laser beams (c1, c2, c3) of which is/are sent to the pivotable micromirror (6) controlled by the mirror control (8) and from there into the traffic space/roadway via a LIDAR exit optics (21), as well as having a LIDAR entry optics (14), which sends light of the second laser arrangement reflected in the exterior space to a detector (15), as a LIDAR system.