Virtual-Image Automotive Lighting Optics for Compact Beam Projection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices in the automotive field require high precision in positioning and use thick lenses, which increase weight and production complexity, and have height requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting device with a mirror forming a virtual image of the light source and reflective surface, using a collector with a reflective surface that reflects light rays to form a beam, and an optical system to project this image, allowing for easy assembly and reduced parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thick projection lens with short focal length is used to project light rays, then the lighting device achieves compact projection, but the lens weight increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple lenses (first projection lens and second projection lens) with different focal lengths, replacing a single thick lens. This segmentation allows each lens to have optimized, thinner dimensions while collectively achieving the required projection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is folded using a mirror to create a virtual image of the light source and collector. This dimensional change in the optical path allows the use of longer focal length lenses without increasing the physical footprint, enabling thinner lens design.
2Volume of moving object
If a thick projection lens with short focal length is used, then compact projection is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to shrinkage defects
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple lenses (first projection lens and second projection lens) with different focal lengths, replacing a single thick lens. This segmentation allows each lens to have optimized, thinner dimensions while collectively achieving the required projection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is folded using a mirror to create a virtual image of the light source and collector. This dimensional change in the optical path allows the use of longer focal length lenses without increasing the physical footprint, enabling thinner lens design.
3Measurement precision
If high precision positioning of the folder and cutting edge is used, then beam cutoff accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror is introduced to create a virtual image of the light source and collector. This optical copying approach replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with precise alignment of reflective surfaces, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining beam cutoff accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is folded using a mirror to create a virtual image of the light source and collector. This dimensional change in the optical path allows the use of longer focal length lenses without increasing the physical footprint, enabling thinner lens design.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the collector has certain height, then light collection efficiency is improved, but the lighting device height requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is folded using a mirror to create a virtual image of the light source and collector. This dimensional change in the optical path allows the use of longer focal length lenses without increasing the physical footprint, enabling thinner lens design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror is positioned within the existing collector structure, nesting the virtual image formation process within the collector's spatial envelope. This allows the collector to maintain its light collection efficiency while the overall device height is reduced through optimized optical path folding.
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, economical, and easily assembled lighting device capable of performing both 'low-beam' and 'high-beam' functions with concentrated light, accommodating space constraints and simplifying production.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror configured to form a virtual image of the light source and the reflective surface of the collector
Implementation Method 2
a collector with a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light source
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (2), particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (4) capable of emitting light rays; a collector (6) with a reflective surface (6.2) configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light source (4); an optical system (10) configured to project the light rays from the reflective surface (6.2) into a light beam (12) along an optical axis of the device (8); and a mirror (7) configured to form a virtual image (4, 6.2) of the light source (4) and the reflective surface of the collector (6), and wherein the optical system (10) is configured to form an image of said virtual image (4, 6.2).