Vehicle Light Module with Adjustment Lens for Spatial Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of micro-mirror matrices in vehicle lighting is not energy efficient, as only a portion of the light radiation is utilized, leading to inefficiencies and potential overheating of the periphery of the reflection area.
Innovation Solution
A light module with an adjustment lens that concentrates the light source radiation within the reflection zone of a high-definition pixelated spatial modulator, forming an intermediate image that matches the modulator's dimensions, allowing for anamorphic compression and efficient energy use, thereby optimizing optical efficiency and reducing peripheral heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a micro-mirror matrix is used to decompose light into pixels, then adaptive beam shaping is enabled, but optical efficiency deteriorates because only partial light radiation is utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-shaping the light beam from the LED source using a beam shaping optic before it reaches the micromirror array. This preliminary beam shaping ensures that the illumination profile is optimized for the micromirror reflection zone, maximizing the utilization of available light and improving optical efficiency while maintaining adaptive beam shaping capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using an LED with a specific luminous intensity distribution and employing a beam shaping optic to modify the beam profile. This parameter optimization ensures that the light is distributed efficiently across the micromirror array, improving optical efficiency without sacrificing the adaptability of beam shaping
2Adaptability or versatility
If light radiation is directed towards the micromirrors in the DMD array, then beam shaping is achieved, but peripheral heating occurs due to inefficient light utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform illumination profile where the light intensity is concentrated in the central reflection zone of the micromirror array and gradually reduces towards the periphery. This localized optimization ensures that beam shaping is achieved where needed while minimizing excessive light exposure at the periphery, thereby reducing peripheral heating
3Ease of manufacture
If simple light sources like LEDs are used with a DMD matrix, then cost is reduced, but optical efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam shaping optic as an intermediary element between the simple LED light source and the micromirror array. This intermediary component optimizes the light beam profile to match the micromirror reflection zone, enabling simple and inexpensive LEDs to achieve high optical efficiency comparable to more complex light sources
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 solution significantly increases optical efficiency by ensuring that the light beam is focused within the modulator's reflection zone, improving flux concentration and allowing for homogeneous illumination without unnecessary peripheral heating, thus enhancing energy efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment lens with a characteristic dimension of the determined format, adapted to concentrate radiation from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a high-definition pixelated spatial modulator (3) having a reflection zone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The vehicle lighting module (1) comprises a light source (2) associated with a first part (IP1) of an imaging system (IMS) to produce a reflected beam coinciding with the reflecting surface of a high-definition pixelated spatial modulator (3), thus avoiding unnecessary illumination of the periphery of the spatial modulator. The light source (2) consists essentially of one or more light-emitting diodes and/or has a point or near-point appearance. The reflected radiation (R2) strikes a second part (IP2) of the imaging system, which typically consists of a projection optic (18), some elements of which may form a back-focusing system. The module (1) remains compact and is well-suited for providing homogeneous, efficient, and high-resolution adaptive lighting.