Floating Retroreflector Plates in Vehicle Optical Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of reflector functions within optical units on vehicles is complicated by architectural constraints, particularly at the rear, where it is difficult to integrate multiple reflector parts without increasing the number of components and assembly time, and limiting stylistic possibilities.
Innovation Solution
An optical unit design featuring a mask with multiple openings for reflector plates that pass through to create the impression of floating elements, reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly by integrating the reflector function into a single part, while also incorporating a base and opaque parts to manage light rays and photometric functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If N independent plates are used to define the reflector function, then the reflector function can be implemented in multiple spaced parts, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges N separate reflector plates into a single integrated second part that defines the reflector function in N spaced parts. This single part includes N openings that allow the mask to create the visual effect of multiple separate plates while actually being one unified component, thereby reducing the number of parts to assemble while maintaining the desired stylistic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part is designed with N openings that segment the reflector function into N spaced parts within a single integrated structure. This segmentation allows the reflector function to be distributed across multiple locations while being manufactured and assembled as one piece, resolving the contradiction between needing multiple spaced reflector elements and wanting to reduce total part count.
2Manufacturing precision
If N independent plates are installed individually, then each plate can be precisely positioned, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining N separately positioned plates into a single second part with integrated positioning features, the patent achieves both precise positioning and faster assembly. The single part can be positioned as one unit while internally maintaining the precise spatial relationships of N reflector elements, eliminating the need to individually position and attach N separate plates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent plates are used, then inventory management becomes complicated, but the reflector function can be distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges N separate reflector plates into a single second part that can be manufactured and inventoried as one item. This integrated part distributes the reflector function across N locations within the optical unit while simplifying inventory management to a single component type, eliminating the need to track and manage N different plate items in inventory.
4Reliability
If N plates are installed against the mask face, then the reflector function is achieved, but the floating impression cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested structure where the second part with N openings is positioned behind the mask, and the mask's openings are nested within the second part's openings. This nesting arrangement allows the reflector plates to be visually integrated with the mask while creating the floating impression, as the mask appears to be positioned in front of the reflector elements rather than directly against them.
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
This design simplifies assembly, reduces component count, enhances stylistic flexibility, and provides a unified appearance for reflector elements within the optical unit, improving installation efficiency and inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
N plates are erected defining retroreflectors and passing respectively through the N second openings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An optical unit (PO) intended to be fitted to a vehicle comprises a housing (BB) defining, with a mirror (GL), an internal space (EI) in which there is: - a mask (MA) comprising, at a first level, at least one first opening (01) through which there passes a first translucent part (P1) that is positioned facing the mirror (GL) and participates in a first photometric function and, at a second level, a flat (MG) projecting in the direction of the mirror (GL) and comprising N second openings (02), where N > 2, and - a second part (P2) comprising a base (EB) positioned behind the flat (MG) and on which there are erected N plates (PC) defining retroreflectors and passing respectively through the N second openings (02) so as to be positioned facing the mirror (GL) beneath the first part (P1).