Conical Closure Element for Vehicle Lamp Self-Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for vehicle lamps require precise relative positioning and manual operation, making automatic or mechanical closure difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a conical edge and corresponding conical closure element, featuring a receptacle for a tool, such as a fork wrench or Allen key, allows for self-centering and automatic or mechanical closure, reducing positioning demands and enabling efficient sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a known locking system with a locking element is used to close the opening in a vehicle lamp, then the opening can be closed manually, but the closure requires high precision in mutual relative positioning and cannot be closed automatically or mechanically
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the closure element by providing a conical configuration instead of a cylindrical one. This conical shape allows the closure element to self-center during insertion, accommodating angular misalignments of up to ±30° between the closure element and the opening, thereby reducing the precision requirements for relative positioning while enabling both manual and automatic closure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies a conical (curved) geometry to the closure element rather than a straight cylindrical form. The conical surface guides the closure element into proper alignment with the opening during insertion, providing self-centering action that reduces sensitivity to positioning errors and enables automatic closing mechanisms
2Extent of automation
If a known locking system with a locking element is used to close the opening in a vehicle lamp, then the closure can be performed, but it requires manual operation and cannot be closed automatically or mechanically
Solution Approach 1:
The conical geometry of the closure element changes the insertion parameters by allowing angular misalignment, which enables automatic closing mechanisms to position and insert the closure element without precise manual alignment, thereby achieving automatic closure capability
Solution Approach 2:
The conical closure element performs self-centering during insertion, automatically aligning itself with the opening without requiring external alignment mechanisms or complex positioning systems, enabling both manual and automatic closure operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If a purely cylindrical edge of the opening is used, then only radial closure is allowed, but axial closure is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the cylindrical (straight) edge configuration with a conical (curved) edge configuration. This conical shape allows the closure element to engage the opening from an angle, enabling both radial and axial closure directions, thereby increasing versatility while maintaining a simple geometric form
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a closure system (1) for closing an opening (20) of a vehicle light, having a closure element (10) and an opening (20) of a vehicle light, wherein the opening (20) has an edge (21), the edge (21) of the opening (20) being in particular conical or at least substantially conical in shape. The invention further relates to a vehicle light having such a closure system (1).