Fabrication factory headlamp beam-focusing release method

Abstract

The invention provides a method for releasing light of a headlamp in a fabrication assembly. A system and method includes the following. The beam-focusing of the vehicle lamp assembly is adjusted by moving the lamp component in a first direction. It is then determined whether the beam pattern from the vehicle lamp assembly is within a predetermined range after adjustment. If the beam pattern is within the predetermined range, the lamp member is moved by a predetermined amount in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a method and system for relieving tension built up within a headlamp assembly during aiming adjustments without changing the aiming. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles include many different types of lamp assemblies, such as headlamps, which must be adjusted during assembly of the vehicle to ensure that the lamps are aimed within a specified target range. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, adjusting the aiming of a vehicle light assembly by moving a light component in a first direction; determining whether a light beam pattern from the vehicle light assembly is within a predetermined range after the adjustment; and moving the light component in a second direction by a predetermined amount if the light beam pattern is within the predetermined range.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0005] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes rotating the light component in a first direction about an adjustment axis.

[0006] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the lamp component includes a geared screw adjuster having a screw that rotates about an adjustment axis.

[0007] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes coupling an adjustment tool to a geared screw adjuster to rotate the screw to adjust the aim.

[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes coupling a screw to a motor trolley associated with an adjustment motor of the vehicle light assembly.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the motor trolley includes a threaded arm coupled to a screw, and the method includes moving the motor trolley along the guide channel during adjustment to the predetermined range.

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, friction between the guide channel and the motor pulley during adjustment creates a binding force that causes the threaded arm to flex out of the nominal position, and the method includes rotating the lamp component about the adjustment axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction to release the binding force and return the threaded arm to the nominal position.

[0011] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes moving in the second direction only when the beam pattern is within a predetermined range.

[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, movement in the second direction has no effect on the light.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein if the beam pattern is not within a predetermined range, the method includes subsequently:

[0014] a) moving the light assembly in one of a first direction and a second direction if the beam pattern is above a predetermined range;

[0015] b) moving the light assembly in the other of the first direction and the second direction if the beam pattern is below the predetermined range;

[0016] c) repeating steps a) and b) until the beam pattern is within a predetermined range; and

[0017] d) moving the lamp unit by a predetermined amount in a direction opposite to the final moving direction to complete step c).

[0018] According to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a system includes, inter alia: a vehicle light assembly, the vehicle light assembly including a light component, the light component being moved in a first direction via an adjustment mechanism to adjust the aiming of the vehicle light assembly; one or more controllers, the one or more controllers being configured to determine whether a light beam pattern from the vehicle light assembly is within a predetermined range after adjustment; and wherein, if the light beam pattern is within the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism causes the light component to move a predetermined amount in a second direction.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing system, the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0020] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the lamp component includes a geared screw adjuster having a screw that rotates about an adjustment axis.

[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the adjustment tool is coupled to the geared screw adjuster to rotate the screw to adjust the aim.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the screw is coupled to a motor trolley associated with an adjustment motor of the vehicle light assembly.

[0023] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the motor trolley includes a threaded arm coupled to a screw, and wherein the motor trolley is moved along the guide channel during adjustment to a predetermined range.

[0024] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, friction between the guide channel and the motor pulley during adjustment creates a binding force that causes the threaded arm to flex out of the nominal position, and wherein the lamp component is rotated by the adjustment mechanism about the adjustment axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction to release the binding force and return the threaded arm to the nominal position.

[0025] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, the adjustment mechanism moves the light member in the second direction only when the beam pattern is within a predetermined range, and wherein movement in the second direction has no effect on aiming the light.

[0026] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, if the beam pattern is not within a predetermined range, performing the following operations:

[0027] If the beam pattern is above the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the lamp member in one of a first direction and a second direction;

[0028] If the beam pattern is below the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the light member in the other of the first direction and the second direction; and

[0029] Wherein once the beam pattern is within the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the lamp component by a predetermined amount in a direction opposite to the final movement direction to move the beam pattern to the predetermined range.

[0030] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0032] Figure 1 A front end portion of a vehicle is shown with a headlamp assembly and an adjustment tool.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a rear perspective view of the headlamp assembly.

[0034] Figure 3Ais an enlarged perspective view of the screw and motor pulley interface during adjustment.

[0035] Figure 3B is similar to Figure 3A , but showing the combined tension between the motor trolley and the associated guide channel.

[0036] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing the use of adjustment tools to adjust Figure 2 The desired range of the headlamp assembly.

[0037] Figure 5A Tool rotation for releasing bond tension is shown.

[0038] Figure 5B Similar to Figure 3A , but shows that the binding tension is released.

[0039] Figure 6 is a flow chart of the method for adjusting the headlamp assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present disclosure details a method and system for relieving tension built up within a headlamp assembly during aiming adjustments without changing the aiming of the headlamp. These and other features are discussed in greater detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.

[0041] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 is shown including a light assembly 12 including a light component, schematically shown at 14, that is moved via an adjustment mechanism 16 to adjust the aim of the light assembly 12. For example, the adjustment mechanism 16 can adjust the aim 18 upward or adjust the aim 20 downward. A control system 22 is configured to determine whether the beam pattern from the light assembly 12 meets a desired predetermined target range after adjustment. If the beam pattern meets the desired target, the adjustment mechanism 16 moves the light component 14 a predetermined amount in a direction opposite to the last direction of movement to relieve tension generated during adjustment. The adjustment mechanism 16 only moves the light component 14 in the opposite direction when the beam pattern is within the predetermined target range. Additionally, this movement in the opposite direction has no effect on the aim.

[0042] Figure 2 An example of a lamp assembly 12 is shown. In this example, the vehicle lamp assembly 12 comprises a headlamp assembly; however, the present system and aiming method can also be used with other types of lamp assemblies. In one example, the lamp assembly 12 includes an upper headlamp component 14a and a lower headlamp component 14b, the aim of which needs to be adjusted.

[0043] In one example, the internal mechanisms of the light assembly 12 may include a horizontal motor 24 for providing rotational movement of the light assembly 12 when the vehicle turns, such as from right to left. A vertical motor 26 may also be included to provide automatic leveling of the light assembly 12 based on pitch during vehicle operation. A bracket assembly 28 is used to mount the horizontal motor 24 and the vertical motor 26 to the vehicle structure.

[0044] In one example, a system for adjusting the lamp assembly 12 includes an adjuster 30 coupled to an input drive rod 32 coupled to an adjustment mechanism 16 including, for example, an adjustment tool 34 ( Figure 1 ). In one example, adjustment tool 34 comprises an automated tool that provides a rotational drive input to drive rod 32. One skilled in the art, having the benefit of this description, will be able to determine the type of automated tool that would be suitable for these purposes. In one example, adjuster 30 comprises a 90-degree geared screw adjuster that includes a drive screw 36. Drive screw 36 is coupled to a movable motor trolley 38 that is associated with vertical motor 26 and moves translationally as indicated by arrow 40.

[0045] Light assembly 12 also includes a connecting rod 42 that connects upper and lower light components 14a, 14b. Connecting rod 42 is used to translate movement of lower light component 14b to upper light component 14a. Connecting rod 42 translates at opposite ends, as indicated by arrows 44 and 46, and pivots about a fixed pivot point 48. Other fixed pivot points of light assembly 12 include an upper pivot point 50 and a lower pivot point 52. Upper light component 14a can rotate, as indicated at 54, and lower light component 14b can rotate, as indicated at 56.

[0046] As is well known, all vehicle headlamps require an aiming system to aim the headlamp within defined tolerances, depending on headlamp requirements and performance demands. This is achieved through moving mechanisms within the headlamp. As discussed above, these mechanisms have many moving parts and can be complex. During aiming, these mechanisms have tolerances that shift and can flex, bind, and create tension within the system. Therefore, external forces such as hood impacts, road bumps, vibration inputs, and thermal loads can cause the initial preset aiming to change, for example, outside the defined factory-set tolerances. It is known that even very small movements of the internal components of the lamp assembly associated with aiming can result in significant changes in the overall headlamp beam aiming. For example, a 0.46 mm (0.02 inch) shift in the position of the motor sled 38 results in a 25.4 mm (1 inch) shift in aiming at 25 feet, a typical distance for setting aiming requirements. The present disclosure provides a system and aiming method for an assembly plant that reduces the variability and tendency of internal headlamp mechanisms to shift and move after the aiming has been set to meet a preset aiming tolerance range.

[0047] like Figures 3A to 3B As shown, the arm 60 of the motor trolley 38 is coupled to the drive screw 36, which rotates about a first rotational axis A1. In one example, the arm 60 has a threaded interface connection with the drive screw 36. In one example, the arm 60 moves the motor trolley 38 along a guide channel 70 during adjustment to a target range. The input drive rod 32 coupled to the adjustment tool 34 is used to rotate the drive screw 36 via the gear screw adjuster 30 to provide adjustment. The adjustment tool 34 rotates about a second rotational axis A2 ( Figure 1 During adjustment, the drive screw 36 rotates about the first rotation axis A1 to drive the arm 60 along a linear translation path to adjust the position of the motor trolley 38 until a predefined nominal aiming target 72 ( Figure 4 ).

[0048] During this translational movement, the arm 60 is caused to flex F relative to the motor sled 38 from the nominal position 78 to the offset position 62, as shown. Figure 3A In other words, the distal end 64 of the arm 60 is cantilevered away from the base end 66 of the arm 60 that is connected to the motor trolley 38. The friction between the guide channel 70 and the motor trolley 38 caused by the flexing movement during adjustment creates a built-up tension or bonding force (schematically shown at 68) between the motor trolley 38 and the associated guide channel 70, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B Once the lamp assembly 12 has been adjusted to achieve the predefined nominal aiming target 72, the binding force 68 is maintained within the lamp assembly 12, as shown. Figure 4A subsequent vibration input event (e.g., a hood strike) may release this force, causing internal movement of the mechanism, which may then change / shift the aiming.

[0049] like Figure 5A As shown, the initial aiming adjustment can be made by either a clockwise (CW) adjustment 74 or a counterclockwise (CCW) adjustment 76. Due to the various tolerance stack-ups that are unique to each assembly, the determination of the direction of initial adjustment rotation is based on each individual lamp assembly 12. Once the predefined nominal aiming target 72 is reached, in order to release the engagement force 68, the adjustment tool 34 is then rotated a predetermined amount in the direction opposite to the last direction of movement. In one example, the predetermined amount can be, for example, a quarter turn to a half turn of the tool 34; however, the amount is determined based on the type of tool and headlamp assembly. Once this final reverse adjustment is made, the engagement force 68 is released and the arm 60 returns to the nominal position 78, as shown. Figure 5B shown.

[0050] It should be noted that this final reverse adjustment does not change the alignment or move any parts in the assembly relative to other parts. This adjustment simply releases tension and bonding by removing any flex or bend in the components. The final reverse adjustment returns the associated components to a neutral / nominal state to release bonding energy, so that bonding energy cannot be released during a vibration event (such as a hood strike), for example.

[0051] Figure 6 1 shows a flow chart of an example method of the present disclosure. In a first step 100, an operator connects the adjustment tool 34 to the lamp adjuster 30. Next, at step 110, the adjustment tool 34 adjusts the beam pattern. The step 110 of adjusting the aim of the vehicle lamp assembly 12 can be performed by moving (e.g., rotating) the lamp component 14 in a first direction (CW or CCW) and then subsequently using the vision system V( Figure 1 ) to measure the beam pattern position, as indicated at step 120. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this description, will be able to determine the type of vision system to be used for these purposes.

[0052] As discussed above, in one example, the adjustment tool 34 includes an automated tool associated with the control system 22. The vision system V is also associated with the control system 22 and communicates therewith. The control system 22 includes one or more controllers that are used to control the operation of the tool 34 and can measure the beam pattern position to determine whether it meets the desired / predetermined target criteria, such as the nominal target range 72. The one or more controllers may include a processor, a memory, and one or more input and / or output (I / O) device interfaces that are communicatively coupled via a local interface. The local interface may include, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses and / or other wired or wireless connections. The local interface may have additional elements that have been omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers for implementing communications. In addition, the local interface may include address, control, and / or data connections to implement appropriate communications between the aforementioned components.

[0053] One or more controllers can be hardware devices for executing software, especially software stored in memory. The software in the memory can include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. A system component embodied as software can also be interpreted as a source program, an executable program (object code), a script, or any other entity including a set of instructions to be executed. When constructed as a source program, the program is converted via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, etc., which may or may not be included in the memory. One or more controllers can be configured to execute the software stored in the memory to transfer data to and from the memory, and generally control the operation of the computing device according to the software. The software in the memory is read in whole or in part by the processor, may be buffered within the processor, and then executed.

[0054] In one example, an automated routine in the tool software is used to adjust the aim of the lamp assembly 12, as described above. After the measurement step 120, the control system determines whether the beam pattern from the lamp assembly, after adjustment, is within the predefined nominal aiming target range 72, as indicated at step 130. If the determination is "yes," as indicated at 140, the control system sends a signal to the automated tool 34 to rotate a predetermined amount in a direction opposite to the last direction of movement, as indicated at 150. Finally, the aiming is complete, the tension is released, and the operator removes the tool 34, as indicated at 160. Thus, the aiming is set in the factory / factory, and any subsequent load inputs (e.g., hood strikes, road bumps, etc.) will not affect the initial aiming setting.

[0055] In one example, the method includes moving in the opposite direction only when the beam pattern is within a predetermined range. In addition, this final adjustment movement in the opposite direction has no effect on the aiming of the lamp assembly.

[0056] In one example, if the answer to step 130 is "no" (i.e., the beam pattern from the vehicle lamp assembly is not within the predefined nominal aiming target range 72), as indicated at step 170, the control system then determines whether the beam pattern is above the predefined nominal aiming target range 72, as indicated at step 180. If it is determined that the beam pattern is above the predefined nominal aiming target range 72 (step 190), the control system sends a signal to the tool 34 to rotate in a first direction (e.g., CCW direction) to aim the lamp downward, as indicated at step 200. Step 130 is then repeated to determine whether the beam pattern is within the predefined nominal aiming target range 72. If "yes" 140, steps 150 and 160 are performed. If "no" 170, step 180 is performed.

[0057] If it is determined that the beam pattern is below the predefined nominal aiming target range 72 (step 210), the control system sends a signal to the tool 34 to rotate in a second direction (e.g., a CW direction) opposite the first direction to aim the light upward, as indicated at step 220. Step 130 is then repeated to determine if the beam pattern is within the predefined nominal aiming target range 72. If "yes" 140, steps 150 and 160 are performed. If "no" 170, step 180 is performed. Thus, step 180 and the associated steps 200, 220 are repeated until the beam pattern is within the predefined nominal aiming target range 72.

[0058] The present disclosure provides an adjustment system and method that reduces movement of mechanical parts inside a headlamp after initial setup has been achieved, which could affect the aiming system. By rotating the adjustment tool a small, predetermined amount in the opposite direction of the last movement, tension and bound energy are released. This increases headlamp aiming capability and stability and can be easily programmed and tuned for each assembly plant and each specific lamp, as each lamp will require a different amount of "release" based on design / geometry. Testing has been conducted in the lab with a high-speed camera lens, and results have shown significant benefits to the aiming system, as tension created during initial aiming is released and subsequent vibration input does not alter the aiming.

[0059] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection afforded to the present disclosure should be determined solely by studying the appended claims.

[0060] According to the present invention, a method includes adjusting the aiming of a vehicle light assembly by moving a light component in a first direction; determining whether a beam pattern from the vehicle light assembly is within a predetermined range after the adjustment; and moving the light component in a second direction by a predetermined amount if the beam pattern is within the predetermined range.

[0061] In one aspect of the invention, the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0062] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes rotating the light component in a first direction about an adjustment axis.

[0063] In one aspect of the present invention, a lamp assembly includes a geared screw adjuster having a screw that rotates about an adjustment axis.

[0064] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes coupling an adjustment tool to a geared screw adjuster to rotate the screw to adjust the aiming.

[0065] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes coupling a screw to a motor trolley associated with an adjustment motor of a vehicle light assembly.

[0066] In one aspect of the invention, the motor trolley includes a threaded arm coupled to a screw and includes moving the motor trolley along a guide channel during adjustment to a predetermined range.

[0067] In one aspect of the invention, friction between the guide channel and the motor pulley during adjustment generates a binding force that causes the threaded arm to flex out of the nominal position, and includes rotating the lamp component about the adjustment axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction to release the binding force and return the threaded arm to the nominal position.

[0068] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes moving in the second direction only when the beam pattern is within a predetermined range.

[0069] In one aspect of the invention, movement in the second direction has no effect on the light.

[0070] In one aspect of the invention, if the beam pattern is not within the predetermined range, the following operations are then performed: a) if the beam pattern is above the predetermined range, the light component is moved in one of the first direction and the second direction; b) if the beam pattern is below the predetermined range, the light component is moved in the other of the first direction and the second direction; steps a) and b) are repeated until the beam pattern is within the predetermined range; and d) the light component is moved a predetermined amount in the opposite direction compared to the final movement direction to complete step c).

[0071] According to the present invention, a system is provided, comprising: a vehicle light assembly, the vehicle light assembly including a light component, the light component being moved in a first direction via an adjustment mechanism to adjust the aiming of the vehicle light assembly; one or more controllers, the one or more controllers being configured to determine whether a light beam pattern from the vehicle light assembly is within a predetermined range after adjustment; and wherein if the light beam pattern is within the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism causes the light component to move a predetermined amount in a second direction.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the lamp component comprises a geared screw adjuster having a screw that rotates about an adjustment axis.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the invention also features an adjustment tool coupled to the geared screw adjuster to rotate the screw to adjust the aiming.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the screw is coupled to a motor pulley associated with an adjustment motor of the vehicle light assembly.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the motor trolley comprises a threaded arm coupled to a screw, and wherein the motor trolley is moved along the guide channel during adjustment to a predetermined range.

[0077] According to an embodiment, friction between the guide channel and the motor pulley during adjustment generates a binding force that causes the threaded arm to flex out of the nominal position, and wherein the lamp component is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction about the adjustment axis by the adjustment mechanism to release the binding force and return the threaded arm to the nominal position.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism moves the lamp component in the second direction only when the beam pattern is within a predetermined range, and wherein the movement in the second direction has no effect on the aiming.

[0079] According to an embodiment, if the beam pattern is not within the predetermined range, the following operations are then performed: if the beam pattern is above the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the lamp component in one of the first direction and the second direction; if the beam pattern is below the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the lamp component in the other of the first direction and the second direction; and once the beam pattern is within the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the lamp component in an opposite direction by a predetermined amount compared to the final movement direction to move the beam pattern to the predetermined range.

Claims

1. A method comprising: adjusting the aiming of the vehicle lamp assembly by moving the lamp component in a first direction; determining whether a beam pattern from the vehicle lamp assembly is within a predetermined range after adjustment; as well as If the beam pattern is within the predetermined range, the lamp member is moved in a second direction by a predetermined amount. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

3. The method of claim 1, comprising rotating the light component in the first direction about an adjustment axis.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the lamp component includes a geared screw adjuster having a screw that rotates about the adjustment axis, and the method includes coupling an adjustment tool to the geared screw adjuster to rotate the screw to adjust the aiming.

5. The method of claim 4 , comprising coupling the screw to a motor trolley associated with an adjustment motor of the headlight assembly, and optionally wherein the motor trolley comprises a threaded arm coupled to the screw, and wherein the method comprises moving the motor trolley along a guide channel during adjustment to the predetermined range.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein during adjustment, friction between the guide channel and the motor pulley generates a binding force, which causes the threaded arm to flex out of the nominal position, and the method includes rotating the lamp component about the adjustment axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction to release the binding force and return the threaded arm to the nominal position.

7. The method of claim 1, comprising moving in the second direction only when the beam pattern is within a predetermined range, and wherein movement in the second direction has no effect on the pair of beams.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein if the beam pattern is not within the predetermined range, then performing the following operations: a) moving the lamp member in one of the first direction and the second direction if the beam pattern is above the predetermined range; b) moving the lamp member in the other of the first direction and the second direction if the beam pattern is below the predetermined range; c) repeating steps a) and b) until the beam pattern is within a predetermined range; and d) moving the lamp component by the predetermined amount in a direction opposite to the final moving direction to complete step c).

9. A system comprising: A vehicle lamp assembly, the vehicle lamp assembly comprising a lamp component, the lamp component being movable in a first direction via an adjustment mechanism to adjust the aiming of the vehicle lamp assembly; one or more controllers configured to determine whether a beam pattern from the vehicle light assembly is within a predetermined range after adjustment; and If the beam pattern is within the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism moves the lamp component by a predetermined amount in the second direction.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the light assembly includes a geared screw adjuster having a screw that rotates about an adjustment axis, and an adjustment tool coupled to the geared screw adjuster to rotate the screw to adjust the aiming light.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the screw is coupled to a motor trolley associated with an adjustment motor of the vehicle light assembly.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the motor pulley includes a threaded arm connected to the screw, and wherein the motor pulley moves along the guide channel during adjustment to the predetermined range, and optionally, wherein friction between the guide channel and the motor pulley during adjustment generates a binding force, the binding force causing the threaded arm to flex out of the nominal position, and wherein the lamp component is rotated in the second direction opposite to the first direction about the adjustment axis by the adjustment mechanism to release the binding force and return the threaded arm to the nominal position.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the adjustment mechanism moves the lamp assembly in the second direction only when the beam pattern is within a predetermined range, and wherein movement in the second direction has no effect on the aiming.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein if the beam pattern is not within the predetermined range, then performing the following operations: If the beam pattern is above the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the lamp member in one of the first direction and the second direction; If the beam pattern is below the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the lamp member in the other of the first direction and the second direction; and Once the beam pattern is within the predetermined range, the adjustment mechanism then moves the lamp component by the predetermined amount in a direction opposite to the final movement direction to move the beam pattern to the predetermined range.

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