Vehicle Lighting Tool with Overlapping Projection Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting tools face challenges in achieving versatile light distribution patterns without increasing size, as they require complex optical systems and risk temperature-induced phase changes in liquid crystal elements when using multiple light sources.
Innovation Solution
A lighting tool for vehicles is designed with two projection modules, each equipped with a liquid crystal element and a projection optical system, allowing for overlapping or deviated light distribution patterns to achieve varied illuminance and shape without enlarging the device, and preventing temperature-induced phase changes by distributing light sources across multiple elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light from multiple light sources is condensed toward a single DMD or liquid crystal element to achieve various light distribution patterns, then the illuminance distribution can be controlled, but the optical system becomes complicated and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single projection system into multiple independent projection modules, each with its own light source and optical system. Each module projects light distribution patterns that overlap on the road surface, achieving versatile illumination control without requiring a single complex optical system to condense multiple light sources onto one element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the liquid crystal element is increased to solve the optical system complexity problem, then the light distribution control is improved, but the overall dimensions of the lighting tool become enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large liquid crystal element, the patent employs multiple smaller liquid crystal elements in separate projection modules. Each element maintains a compact size while the modular arrangement provides the necessary light distribution control versatility without increasing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple projection modules within a compact housing arrangement, where modules are positioned to overlap their projection ranges. This nested configuration allows multiple functional units to occupy shared spatial volume, achieving comprehensive light distribution control within a compact overall dimension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources irradiate a single liquid crystal element to achieve various illuminance distributions, then the light distribution patterns can be varied, but the temperature of the liquid crystal element increases and may cause phase change to isotropic phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns separate light sources to separate liquid crystal elements, preventing thermal concentration on a single element. Each liquid crystal element is irradiated by its own dedicated light source, distributing the thermal load and preventing temperature-induced phase changes while maintaining the ability to create various illuminance distributions through coordinated control of multiple modules.
4Volume of moving object
If a single projection module is used to reduce device size, then the compactness is improved, but the ability to achieve various light distribution patterns with high illuminance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple projection modules with overlapping projection ranges into a unified lighting system. The modules are arranged so their light distribution patterns overlap on the road surface, creating enhanced illuminance in overlapping regions while maintaining compact individual module sizes. This merging approach achieves both compactness and versatile light distribution capability.
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 configuration enables the creation of various light distribution patterns with increased illuminance and compact structure, maintaining high reliability and reducing the risk of liquid crystal phase changes, while allowing for efficient component sharing and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal element that modulates the light radiated from the light source device to form an image light
Implementation Method 2
a projection optical system that radiates the image light forward as a light distribution pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting tool for a vehicle includes a light source device, and a first projection module and a second projection module each configured to radiate light radiated from the light source device toward a front of the vehicle as a light distribution pattern, wherein the light source device radiates light toward each of the first projection module and the second projection module, the first projection module and the second projection module each include a liquid crystal element that modulates the light radiated from the light source device to form an image light, and a projection optical system that radiates the image light forward as the light distribution pattern, and the light distribution pattern of the first projection module and the light distribution pattern of the second projection module overlap with each other over an entire projection range in a direction of a first axis.