Vehicle Lighting Device Integrating Main and Auxiliary Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Auxiliary lighting devices in vehicles add bulk, weight, power supply, and cost, and can affect the vehicle's style, making them impractical for most vehicles due to their bulkiness and expense.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a first source generating photons and a reflector forming a main light beam, along with a second source and lens forming a narrow auxiliary light beam, controlled to adjust position based on detected obstacles, allowing both main and auxiliary photometric functions without significant size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary lighting device is added to provide marking light function, then the auxiliary lighting function is improved, but the device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the main lighting device and auxiliary marking light device into a single integrated lighting device. The second light source is positioned at the focal point of the first reflector, allowing both main beam and auxiliary beam functions to be achieved through one unified structure rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The first reflector serves dual purposes: it reflects light from the first source to create the main light beam, and simultaneously focuses light from the second source to create the auxiliary light beam. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate auxiliary lighting devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary lighting device is added to provide marking light function, then the auxiliary lighting function is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary lighting components into the existing main lighting device structure. The second light source utilizes the first reflector's optical path, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary reflectors, housings, and mounting structures that would add weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The first reflector performs both main beam reflection and auxiliary beam focusing functions, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes and thereby reducing the total weight compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary lighting device is added to provide marking light function, then the auxiliary lighting function is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the auxiliary lighting function into the main lighting device assembly, reducing the total component count. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating duplicate structures, reducing assembly steps, and simplifying the overall production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first reflector is designed to handle both main beam and auxiliary beam functions, allowing a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary lighting device is added to provide marking light function, then the auxiliary lighting function is improved, but the vehicle style is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary lighting components are integrated within the existing main lighting device housing, maintaining a unified and clean exterior appearance. This integration prevents additional bulky components from being visible on the vehicle, preserving the original design aesthetic.
Solution Approach 2:
The first reflector's dual functionality allows the lighting device to provide both main beam and auxiliary marking light functions through a single integrated unit, avoiding the need for separate auxiliary light housings that would compromise vehicle styling.
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 both main and auxiliary lighting functions in a compact form, reducing weight and cost, and integrating both functions with a common electrical supply and control harness, preserving the vehicle's style.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector reflecting the first photons generated towards the zone so that they form a first light beam
Implementation Method 2
a lens interposed between the second source and the zone, positionable in different positions with respect to the reflector, and forming with the second photons generated a second narrow and pointing light beam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vehicle equipped with analysing means that analyse a zone (ZA) located in front of the vehicle is equipped with a lighting device (DE). This device (DE) comprises: - a first source (S1) that generates first photons and a reflector (RP) that reflects the first photons toward the zone (ZA) so that they form a first light beam (F1) that performs a photometric lighting function, - a second source (S2) that is installed in front of a central portion (PC) of the reflector (RP) and that generates second photons, - a lens (LF) that is inserted between the second source (S2) and the zone (ZA), that is positionable in various positions, and that forms, with the second photons, a second light beam (F2) that is narrow and that points toward a sub-zone of the zone (ZA) that depends on a set lens position, and - controlling means (MC) that set the position of the lens in case of detection of an obstacle in a sub-zone of known position.