Motor Vehicle Lighting Module with Integrated Optical Guide Cutoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlight systems face challenges in efficiently switching between high and low beam modes while minimizing glare to oncoming traffic, requiring complex mechanical components that increase manufacturing costs and size.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a light module that produces a first cut-off beam and a second complementary beam, using a reflective face integrated into the optical guide to form the cutting member, allowing for selective activation of light sources to create a selective beam that avoids dazzling other drivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a movable mechanical element is integrated into the light module to switch between high and low beam modes, then beam mode switching capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam mode switching capabilityVSAvoidinternal mechanics complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cutting member function directly into the optical guide structure, eliminating the need for separate movable mechanical elements. The optical guide integrates both light guidance and beam cutting functions, using a reflective face formed as part of the optical guide to achieve high/low beam switching without additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical movable element system with an optical system. Instead of using mechanical movement to switch between beam modes, the invention uses selective activation of light sources (first and second means) combined with the integrated cutting member in the optical guide to achieve beam mode switching through optical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a movable mechanical element is used for beam mode switching, then high and low beam functions are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam mode switching capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting member is merged into the optical guide structure as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate mechanical parts. This integration reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining beam mode switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical guide serves multiple functions: it guides light from the light sources and simultaneously provides the cutting function through its integrated reflective face. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and manufacturing complexity, leading to lower production costs.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a movable mechanical element is integrated into the light module, then beam mode switching is enabled, but the size of the light module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam mode switching capabilityVSAvoidlight module size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting member is merged into the optical guide structure, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming mechanical components. This integration allows the light module to maintain a compact size while still achieving beam mode switching capability through the integrated optical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If selective beam function is implemented to create shadow zones for avoiding glare, then safety is improved by reducing glare to oncoming traffic, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare reduction to oncoming trafficVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into multiple independently controllable light sources (first means and second means). This segmentation allows selective activation of specific light sources to create shadow zones in directions where oncoming traffic is detected, reducing glare while maintaining illumination in safe directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system dynamically adjusts the beam pattern by selectively activating or deactivating specific light sources based on detected traffic conditions. This dynamic control enables the creation of shadow zones that move and adapt to the positions of oncoming vehicles, improving safety without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 assembly and reduces costs by integrating the cutting member into the optical guide, ensuring efficient switching between beam modes while maintaining high visibility and safety by minimizing glare, thus improving ease of assembly, cost-effectiveness, and size efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Part of the light beam reflected by the reflector hits the reflecting surface and is reflected at its angle of incidence on the surface.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3115683B1Lighting device for lighting for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3115683B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3115683B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3115683B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(e)

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting module for the illumination and/or signaling of a motor vehicle, comprising first means (1) generating a first beam (F1) with a cutoff to form a dipped beam, and second means (2) generating at least two selectively activatable light segments (30) that form a second beam (F2) complementary to the first beam (F1) with a cutoff when activated simultaneously, to form a main beam. The second means (2) comprise at least one optical guide (10) incorporating a cutoff wall (20) provided with a reflective face (19) arranged opposite the first means (1). Said reflective face (19) forms a shield (8) providing at least a portion of the cutoff for the first beam (F1).