Adaptive Headlamps: How Effective They Are?

Adaptive Headlamps

Adaptive Headlamps:

Adaptive headlamps are those headlamps that are capable of turning their beam along the curvature of the road. Thus, they improve visibility at night and increase road safety. They are also known as Adaptive Front-lighting Systems (AFS).

Why Are They Necessary?

While driving at night, the driver frequently does not feel confident on winding roads. It is because of the blind spot created by the ordinary headlamps. As shown in the diagram, ordinary headlamps illuminate an area straight ahead. And, it is not the road in case of a turn.

Thus, it creates a major blind spot. And, the driver cannot see what is on the road ahead. As a result, one has to slow down till the headlamps illuminate the road properly. Also, the straight beam of the ordinary headlamps dazzles the oncoming traffic unnecessarily. To overcome these drawbacks, engineers invented these headlamps.

Ordinary headlamp vs Adaptive Headlamp
Ordinary headlamp vs. Adaptive Headlamp ( Courtesy: JHDAY COMMUNICATIONS)

The Components And Working Of Adaptive Headlamps:

Components-of-afs
Components of Adaptive Headlamps (Courtesy: DENSO Corporation)

The headlamps function with the help of sensors. These sensors sense the speed of the car, steering angle, and yaw motion (motion along the vertical axis of the car). Additionally, they predict the road’s curvature based on the information collected. These sensors then send the signals to the electric motors fitted in the headlamp housing. They then turn the headlamp beam in the direction of the road. As a result, it avoids the formation of a blind spot.

Thus even on the turn, the driver can see the road ahead clearly. In addition, typical Adaptive Headlamps can rotate up to 15° to both sides from the central position.

Improved-Safety
Improved Safety with AFS (Courtesy: Mazda Motor Corporation)

Manufacturers program Adaptive Headlamps so that they function only when the vehicle is moving in the forward direction. The system de-activates itself if the reverse gear is engaged. Mercedes-Benz, BMW & Audi are some manufacturers who implemented this technology in their cars.

Watch Adaptive Headlamps In Action Here:

Read More: What Is Adaptive Cruise Control? How Does It Work?>>

 

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