Variable headlamp system for an automotive vehicle using an electrostatic shutter
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A headlamp system for an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a light source for generating light;
a reflector positioned to receive light from the light source and redirect the light in a predetermined direction;
a lens adapted to receive a portion of light traveling in the predetermined direction for projecting light externally of the vehicle;
a transparent light shield positioned intermediate the reflector and the lens having an imaging surface; and
a plurality of electrostatic shutters disposed on the transparent light shield for selectively blocking a portion of the light traveling in the predetermined direction from traveling through the transparent light shield, each electrostatic shutter having;
a transparent electrically conductive layer adjacent the light shield;
a transparent dielectric layer adjacent the conductive layer; and
a metallized polymer scroll having one end adapted to be electrically energized.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A headlamp system for an automotive vehicle is provided having a light source generating light, a reflector, a generally transparent light shield, an electrostatic shutter and a lens. The light shield has a surface and laterally displaced edges. The reflector has a predetermined relationship with the light shield and the light source and directs a portion of light from the light source to the surface of the light shield. The electrostatic shutter means is adjacent the surface of the light shield to selectively blocking a portion of the light from the light source. A lens between the light shield and the image surface directs light passing the light shield.
75 Citations
1 Claim
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1. A headlamp system for an automotive vehicle comprising:
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a light source for generating light; a reflector positioned to receive light from the light source and redirect the light in a predetermined direction; a lens adapted to receive a portion of light traveling in the predetermined direction for projecting light externally of the vehicle; a transparent light shield positioned intermediate the reflector and the lens having an imaging surface; and a plurality of electrostatic shutters disposed on the transparent light shield for selectively blocking a portion of the light traveling in the predetermined direction from traveling through the transparent light shield, each electrostatic shutter having; a transparent electrically conductive layer adjacent the light shield; a transparent dielectric layer adjacent the conductive layer; and a metallized polymer scroll having one end adapted to be electrically energized.
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Specification
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Current AssigneeMary E. Roy
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Original AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
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InventorsRemillard, Jeffrey T., Malecki, Marie T., Dassanayake, Mahendra S.
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Primary Examiner(s)Sember, Thomas M.
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Application NumberUS08/566,468Time in Patent Office1,065 DaysField of Search362/61, 362/277, 362/278, 362/320, 362/321, 362/351, 359/230, 359/231, 359/320US Class Current362/510CPC Class CodesB60Q 1/14 having dimming meansF21S 41/645 by electro-optic means, e.g...F21V 14/006 by means of optical element...
