Vehicle Lighting Module Merging Laser Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional motor vehicle headlamps with multiple lighting modules are bulky, expensive, and complex due to the need for precise adjustments and have color inconsistencies and low laser power utilization, leading to inefficient lighting beams that may cause visual discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A single lighting module with a first laser light source positioned above the optical axis, a reflector, and a second laser light source with a scanning system, both emitting radiation to a common wavelength conversion device, which produces a homogeneous lighting beam without mechanical adjustments, optimizing power usage and reducing size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple lighting modules are used to provide sufficient light output, then the lighting functions can be achieved, but the projector becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight outputVSAvoidprojector complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lighting functions into a single lighting module by using one laser light source that can be scanned across different regions of a wavelength conversion device. This eliminates the need for multiple separate modules, reducing projector bulk and complexity while maintaining sufficient light output for various lighting functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single lighting module is designed to perform multiple lighting functions (low beam, high beam, cornering lights, adaptive high beams) through controlled scanning of the laser beam across different areas of the wavelength conversion device. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting modules are used with different phosphorescent layers, then various lighting functions can be achieved, but color inconsistencies occur in the beam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function varietyVSAvoidbeam color homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple modules with different phosphorescent layers that cause color variations, the patent uses a single wavelength conversion device with one phosphorescent layer. The laser beam is scanned across different regions of this single layer, ensuring consistent color throughout the entire beam while still enabling various lighting functions through spatial control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If laser power is reduced to avoid bright spots and visual discomfort, then regulatory limits are met, but laser power utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual discomfortVSAvoidlaser power utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic scanning of the laser beam across the wavelength conversion device, allowing different regions to be illuminated at different intensities and durations. This dynamic control enables the system to meet regulatory limits and avoid visual discomfort in certain areas while maintaining high overall laser power utilization efficiency through optimized scanning patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The laser beam is scanned periodically across the wavelength conversion device, creating temporal modulation of the light output. This periodic scanning allows the system to distribute energy over time and space, preventing concentrated bright spots that cause visual discomfort while maximizing the utilization of laser power through continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Illumination intensity

If multiple lighting modules are used, then sufficient light output is achieved, but the projector requires significant setup time and precise parameterization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight outputVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple lighting modules into a single module with one laser light source and one wavelength conversion device, the patent eliminates the need for complex setup and parameterization of multiple modules. The single-module design significantly reduces setup time and simplifies manufacturing while still achieving the required light output through controlled beam scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables a compact, cost-effective headlamp that produces homogeneous lighting beams efficiently, capable of fulfilling various traffic conditions without mechanical adjustments, improving power utilization and reducing visual discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

the reflector is positioned in front of the at least first laser light source, above an optical axis of the projection optical system between the wavelength conversion device and the projection optical system; the reflector is a mirror made of metal, in particular an aluminum-based alloy; the at least first laser light source is capable of emitting laser radiation towards the reflector, which is capable of directing it towards an upper part of the surface of the wavelength conversion device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

This radiation is then deflected by this scanning system towards at least one wavelength conversion device which includes a substrate of reflective or transparent material on which a thin layer of phosphorescent material is deposited. The conversion device, being scanned by the scanning system, re-emits a beam of white light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3044501B1Lighting module for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3044501B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3044501B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3044501B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle projector, comprising first (1) and second (2) visible radiation sources that can emit laser radiation (L1, L2) towards a wavelength conversion device (3) which can reemit visible radiation (16) towards an optical projection system (4) in order to produce a light beam (15), characterised in that the module comprises a single wavelength conversion device (3) for all laser radiation (L1, L2) and the first visible radiation source (1) is static or quasi-static, comprising at least one first laser light source (9) cooperating with a single reflector (10).