Vehicle Lighting Unit Actuator Load Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning type vehicle headlights face issues with increased load and reduced durability of actuators due to high swing speeds, leading to uneven illuminance distribution and complex control requirements, and suffer from heat-related efficiency deterioration in light sources.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle lighting unit adjusts the scanning frequency and light intensity to prioritize the vertical direction, using a light intensity controller to manage light source output and an auxiliary reflecting member to optimize illuminance distribution, reducing actuator load and improving durability while preventing heat-related efficiency decline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the primary scanning direction is set to the horizontal direction with large swing angle range, then the illumination area can be covered, but the actuator load increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional scanning approach by setting the vertical direction as the primary scanning direction with high scanning frequency, instead of the horizontal direction. This inversion reduces the swing angle range required for high-speed scanning, thereby decreasing actuator load and improving durability while still achieving comprehensive illumination area coverage through the coordinated secondary horizontal scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic scanning frequency control where the vertical scanning frequency is set higher than horizontal scanning frequency. The actuator dynamically adjusts swing speeds based on the scanning phase and direction, optimizing the balance between illumination coverage and actuator stress, thereby improving both coverage and durability
2Illumination intensity
If the reflecting member swing speed is increased to improve illuminance distribution, then the illuminance uniformity improves, but the actuator load increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic swing speed control where the reflecting member's swing speed is adjusted based on the scanning phase and position. The control unit increases swing speed during phases that require better illuminance distribution while limiting maximum speed to protect actuator durability, achieving a dynamic balance between illuminance uniformity and actuator stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic scanning patterns with controlled duty cycles. By implementing periodic high-speed scanning intervals alternating with lower-speed intervals, the system achieves improved illuminance distribution during critical phases while allowing actuator rest periods, thereby maintaining durability
3Illumination intensity
If the light intensity is increased to compensate for slower swing speed, then the illuminance distribution improves, but heat generation increases and light source efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsed light emission where the light source operates at high intensity only during specific scanning phases when illumination improvement is most needed, rather than continuous high-intensity operation. This periodic activation achieves the required illuminance distribution while significantly reducing cumulative heat generation and preserving light source efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic light intensity control that adjusts emission intensity in real-time based on scanning phase and position. The control unit increases intensity during phases requiring illumination compensation while maintaining lower intensity during other phases, optimizing the balance between illuminance distribution and heat generation
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 reduces actuator load, enhances durability, and achieves a more uniform and ideal illuminance distribution by controlling light intensity and scanning frequency, thereby improving the overall efficiency and longevity of the lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source 11 configured to emit light beams
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting member 2 configured to reflect light from the light source 11 to an illumination area in front of a vehicle body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A vehicle lighting unit (10) can reduce the load applied to the actuator (31, 32, 51, 52) for driving a reflecting member (2) as well as can improve the durability of the actuator (31, 32, 51, 52). The vehicle lighting unit (10) can include a light source, a reflecting member (2) configured to reflect light from the light source (11) toward an illumination area, an actuator (31, 32, 51, 52) including inner piezoelectric actuators (31, 32) and outer piezoelectric actuators (51, 52) configured to cause the reflecting member (2) to swing (turn) around X and Y axes simultaneously, to thereby scan the illumination area with the reflected light from the reflecting member (2) horizontally and vertically, and a controller (12) configured to control the inner piezoelectric actuators (31, 32) and the outer piezoelectric actuators (51, 52) such that a scanning frequency in the vertical direction of the reflected light becomes larger than a scanning frequency in the horizontal direction of the reflected light.