Headlamp Adjustment Module Rocker Arm Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjusting devices for motor vehicle headlights are cumbersome, require additional effort and space, complicate installation, and are not suitable for internal adjustment, with complex assembly processes and potential moisture ingress.

Innovation Solution

A compact adjustment module with a rocker arm and articulated connection, allowing for internal adjustment within the headlight housing, featuring a bayonet catch for easy installation and sealing, and eliminating the need for complex slideways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a connecting rod with articulated connections is used for adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionVSAvoidguidance and articulated connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the connecting rod from the adjustment mechanism and replaces it with a direct articulated connection between the rocker arm and the adjustment head. This extraction of the unnecessary connecting rod simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the adjustment function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the rocker arm and adjustment head into a more integrated structure where the articulated connection is directly formed between these two components. This merging eliminates the need for separate connecting rods and reduces the number of articulated connections required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If adjustment device is mounted on outside of housing moving entire headlight, then adjustment is achieved, but it cannot transfer adjustment movement into closed headlight housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidsuitability for internal adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the adjustment device on the outside of the housing to move the entire headlight, the patent inverts the approach by designing a compact adjustment module that can be mounted inside the closed headlight housing. The module uses an internal rocker arm mechanism to achieve adjustment without requiring external mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from external adjustment (outside the housing) to internal adjustment (inside the housing) by creating a compact modular design that fits within the confined internal space. This dimensional change allows the adjustment mechanism to operate within the closed housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple work steps are required for assembly with elongated shaft connection, then installation is achieved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the adjustment device into a modular design with a compact adjustment module that can be pre-assembled as a complete unit. This segmentation allows the entire adjustment mechanism to be installed in a single work step by simply inserting the module into the housing, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps including inserting the actuating wheel from outside and securing it from inside with a fork.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment module is designed as a pre-assembled unit where all internal connections and components are prepared in advance. This preliminary action allows the installer to simply insert the complete module into the housing without performing multiple assembly operations during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If slideways are formed in headlight housing, then adjustment guidance is achieved, but demolding technique limits free choice of slideway direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment guidanceVSAvoidmold complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional slideway mechanism with a rocker arm-based articulated connection system. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex molded slideways in the headlight housing, as the guidance is achieved through the rocker arm's pivot motion rather than through molded guide channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming slideways directly in the headlight housing (which limits direction choices due to molding constraints), the patent inverts the approach by providing guidance through the rocker arm mechanism itself. The rocker arm's pivot axis and articulated connections provide the necessary guidance without requiring complex molded features in the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables quick, tool-free installation, adaptable to various headlights without complex molds, reducing installation time and preventing moisture ingress while simplifying the headlight's internal structure.

Implementation Method 1

a bevel gear with the aid of an actuating wheel located outside the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

Threaded spindle is in engagement with a spindle nut, the movement of which is transmitted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

a pivotable about a pivot axis, arranged inside the headlight housing and on an inner section (I) of the adjustment module (M) has a mounted rocker arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 4

connected to it via a bayonet catch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2682304B1Adjustment device for a motor vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP2682304B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2682304B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2682304B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The adjusting device (9) has a threaded spindle (10) rotated through a bevel gear (11,12) using an operating wheel (13) located outside of the housing. The threaded spindle is in engagement with a spindle nut (19), whose movement is transferred to an adjusting head (20) acting on the pivotable lighting unit. A rocker arm (30) is pivoted around a pivoting axis (s), which is in the driving connection with the spindle nut through a hinge connection (28,29). The rocker arm is supported by the stub shafts (31) in two opposite slots (32) of an inner casing section (I).