Citation

Costlow T. Accid. Reconstr. J. 2010; 20(4).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This brief article describes some of the headlight-leveling systems that keep bright headlamps from blinding oncoming drivers. The author notes that as brighter headlights have become more common, systems that keep them directed properly down the roadway have gained popularity and in some cases have even been mandated by government regulation. The systems are rapidly evolving in complexity and now include adaptive systems that shift directions during turns. The simplest leveling systems have a manually controlled switch with an array of resistors that drives motors, adjusting the beams as vehicle loads change. More complex systems link networked switches that use Local Interconnect Network (LIN) and Controller Area Network (CAN) connections to drive motors. Sharing data from steering sensors is a key aspect of adaptive lighting. Another design strategy being explored is the use of a shutter mechanism to block some of the projected light beam.