Vehicle Lighting Device with Laser Radiation Source and MEMS Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting systems using laser diodes struggle to dynamically adjust light characteristics, such as intensity and beam shape, in response to changing conditions like vehicle speed and direction, leading to potential eye damage and inefficient light distribution, and existing solutions are complex, costly, or optically inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting device employing an RGB laser radiation source with a controlled MEMS reflective scanning mirror that converts a narrow laser white light beam into a uniform point source with spherical wavefronts, allowing for flexible control of light output size, intensity, and shape through the scanning mirror's movement, which is connected to a power supply and control device for precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a laser radiation source is used to create a sharp directional light beam, then the light intensity and directionality are improved, but the system cannot dynamically adjust light characteristics to adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a controllable MEMS reflective scanning mirror that can dynamically adjust the direction and characteristics of the laser beam. The mirror's ability to change its angular position in real-time allows the lighting system to adapt light distribution patterns according to vehicle speed, steering angle, and detection data, transforming a static laser system into a dynamic one that responds to changing driving conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If excessive light intensity is emitted to achieve high beam performance, then the brightness and visibility are improved, but eye safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by implementing detection units that monitor specific areas (such as the presence of other vehicles or pedestrians) and adjust the light intensity locally in those directions. The control device uses this detection data to selectively reduce or eliminate light emission in directions where objects are detected, while maintaining high intensity in safe directions. This creates spatially varying light quality that prioritizes safety in occupied zones while preserving brightness in clear zones.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple laser diodes and rotating micromirrors are used to ensure light characteristics, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single laser radiation source combined with a controllable MEMS reflective scanning mirror that can perform multiple functions. Instead of using multiple laser diodes each requiring their own optical path and control mechanism, this universal system can dynamically redirect a single laser beam to cover various areas and create different light patterns. The MEMS mirror serves multiple purposes: beam steering, pattern formation, and adaptive light distribution, replacing what would otherwise require multiple dedicated components.
4Device complexity
If the light beam width is fixed, then the optical system is simpler, but the system cannot adapt beam width to vehicle speed and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using the controllable MEMS reflective scanning mirror to dynamically adjust the effective beam width based on vehicle speed and detection data. At higher speeds, the mirror can sweep the beam more rapidly or broaden its angular coverage to illuminate a wider area ahead. At lower speeds or when objects are detected, the mirror narrows the beam concentration. This dynamic adjustment of beam characteristics is achieved through real-time control of the mirror's angular position without requiring mechanical changes to the optical system's physical structure.
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 simplifies the lighting system, enabling the creation of any desired light stream with uniform intensity and shape, reducing complexity and energy loss, while ensuring safety and adaptability to varying conditions without the need for multiple apertures or complex optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
projection systems comprising light units adapted to amplify light by stimulated emission of radiation, the so-called laser
Implementation Method 2
Diodes work on the principle of electroluminescence, where after the introduction of electrical voltage, electrical energy is converted to light at a p-n junction
Implementation Method 3
the light rays pass through a converter, most often in the form of yellow phosphorus, such as YAG, which converts blue light to white light
Implementation Method 4
a controlled MEMS reflective scanning mirror is situated in the path of laser radiation from the laser radiation source
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting device that includes a laser radiation source, wherein a controlled reflective MEMS scanning mirror is situated in the path of laser radiation from the laser radiation source, wherein in the path of radiation reflected by the controlled reflective MEMS scanning mirror is located an imaging optical element and further an output optics, wherein the laser radiation source and the MEMS are connected to a power supply and control device. The laser radiation source is formed by an RGB laser radiation source with output white light and the imaging optical element is formed by a screen which is adapted to convert a narrow beam of laser white light directed at the screen surface from the RGB laser source by means of the controlled MEMS reflective scanning mirror at each point of the screen surface to a point source of uniform white light on the screen surface, wherein the uniform white light from this point source on the screen surface has a spherical wavefront of white light propagation and has the same wavelength as the white light directed by the controlled MEMS reflective scanning mirror onto the screen, whereby the output optics is arranged in the direction of travel of the white light with the spherical wavefront from the point source on the screen surface.