Vehicle Equipment Deflector Layout for Headlamp Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock absorption systems in motor vehicles, particularly in the front area, are not adapted to the reduced overhangs of newer vehicles, such as electric vehicles, leading to inadequate protection for expensive equipment during impacts.

Innovation Solution

A protective arrangement featuring a deflector made from stamped sheet metal, strategically positioned between the light device and equipment, which deflects the light device's trajectory during an impact, using a breakable tab to guide the light device away from critical paths and a thicker, more resistant deflector to absorb shocks, thereby reducing damage to the equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing shock absorption systems are used in the front of the vehicle, then equipment protection is provided, but the system occupies a significant volume that is incompatible with reduced overhang dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidsystem volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential protective function from traditional bulk shock absorption systems and implements it through a localized deflector component positioned between the lighting device and equipment. This deflector is made from stamped sheet metal with thickness ≥1.5mm, providing protection without requiring the large volume of conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a uniform shock absorption system throughout, the patent applies protective measures locally where needed - specifically positioning a deflector between the lighting device and equipment. This localized approach provides targeted protection while minimizing overall system volume to fit reduced overhang dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the deflector thickness is increased to improve shock absorption, then equipment protection is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoiddeflector manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the deflector thickness parameter within a specific range (≥1.5mm, preferably ≥2mm) to achieve adequate shock absorption without excessive complexity. This parameter optimization balances protective capability with manufacturability, avoiding both insufficient protection and overly complex thick structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies using stamped sheet metal for the deflector, which combines the strength and shock absorption properties of metal with the manufacturing efficiency of stamping processes. This material selection achieves both adequate protection and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Force

If the deflector is made thicker and more resistant, then impact force absorption is improved, but the weight of the component increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact force absorptionVSAvoiddeflector weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies an optimal thickness range for the deflector (≥1.5mm, preferably ≥2mm) that provides adequate impact force absorption without excessive weight. This parameter optimization ensures the deflector is thick enough to deflect the lighting device during impact but not so thick as to create unnecessary weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the mounting strength of the deflector is increased beyond the light device mounting tab strength, then equipment protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the mounting system so that the deflector is pre-attached to the equipment mounting bracket with strength exceeding the light device mounting tab strength. This preliminary attachment ensures that during impact, the deflector remains securely in place while the lighter mounting tab may fail, allowing the deflector to continue providing protection without complex additional mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution effectively reduces the risk of equipment damage by altering the light device's trajectory and distributing impact forces, minimizing deformation and damage during frontal impacts, while maintaining a compact design suitable for vehicles with reduced overhangs.

Implementation Method 1

the deflector includes at least one surface capable of deflecting the trajectory of the lighting device over the equipment in the event of an impact causing the lighting device to move a second distance toward the equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTrajectory deflection:

Implementation Method 2

using a breakable tab to guide the light device away from critical paths and a thicker, more resistant deflector to absorb shocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP4335697A1Arrangement for protecting equipment of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 RENAULT SA
  • EP4335697A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4335697A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4335697A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Arrangement (90) for the protection of equipment (20) of a motor vehicle (100), comprising a light device (30), equipment (20) and a deflector (10) of a motor vehicle (100), the light device (30) and the equipment (20) being separated from each other by a first distance (d1) and the deflector (10) being disposed between the light device (30) and the equipment (20), characterized in that the deflector (10) comprises at least one surface (105) capable of deflecting a trajectory of the light device over the equipment during an impact causing a displacement of the light device by a second distance (d2) towards the equipment (20), the second distance (d2) being greater than the first distance (d1).