Automotive Lighting Junction Element with Segmented Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle lighting and signaling devices require additional operations and fixing means like stapling or screwing during assembly, complicating the pre-assembly process and potentially allowing dust to adhere to sensitive areas.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lighting and signaling device design featuring a first part with a closed or open outline and a junction element with a free adhesive region, allowing for pre-assembly without additional fixing means, and incorporating a second part with a joining element for heat dissipation and precise optical part alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fixing means such as stapling or screwing are used to fix additional parts, then the assembly is secure, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive fixing function with the structural component (junction element) by integrating a adhesive layer directly into the junction element design. This allows the junction element to serve both structural and fixing functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate stapling or screwing operations while maintaining assembly security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical fixing means (staples, screws) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive layer) integrated into the junction element. This substitution eliminates the need for additional fixing operations while maintaining secure attachment, thereby reducing assembly process complexity.
2Reliability
If additional fixing means are used to secure parts, then the connection is reliable, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is pre-integrated into the junction element during manufacturing, so that when the junction element is assembled to the first part, the adhesive is already in position and ready for bonding. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for additional fixing operations during assembly, reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the adhesive layer with the junction element structure, the patent creates a single integrated component that performs both structural support and bonding functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixing operations, thereby reducing assembly time without compromising connection reliability.
3Strength
If the adhesive face is fully covered, then the bonding area is maximized, but access for additional parts is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive face is segmented into two functional zones: a first adhesive face region that bonds to the first part and a second adhesive face region that remains exposed for receiving additional parts. This segmentation allows the adhesive to provide bonding strength while maintaining accessibility for subsequent assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction element is designed with different surface properties in different regions: the first adhesive face provides bonding capability while the second adhesive face provides exposure for additional parts. This local differentiation of surface quality allows simultaneous achievement of strong bonding and operational accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If the outline is open, then access to the adhesive face is improved, but the protective enclosure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outline is segmented into a closed first portion that encloses and protects the adhesive face from dust contamination, and an open second portion that provides access for receiving additional parts. This segmentation allows the design to simultaneously provide protection and accessibility in different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive face is nested within the enclosed first portion of the outline, which provides protective enclosure from dust. The open second portion allows access for additional parts without compromising the protective enclosure of the adhesive bonding area, effectively nesting functionality within the structural design.
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
Facilitates easier and more precise pre-assembly of parts, reduces dust contamination, and enhances the reliability of the assembly process by using a double-sided adhesive tape for thermal management and optical part alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a junction element with a first adhesive face which receives said first part
Implementation Method 2
said second part is a heat sink, in particular a radiator; this will in particular make it possible to evacuate the heat from said first part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6ter
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The device has a set of parts placed in a case of the device and provided with a junction element (4) i.e. thermal adhesive tape, between a part (2) i.e. printed circuit board, and another part (6) i.e. radiator or heat dissipater. The element includes an adhesive face (41) receiving the former part such that the face presents a free region (43) adjacent to one of a closed contour (21) e.g. through-hole, or an concave open contour e.g. slot, of the former part after adhesion of the former part on the element. An additional part (8) i.e. light guide, includes an end (83) adhered to the region.