Motor Vehicle Headlamp Adjustment Device Rolling Element Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment devices for motor vehicle headlights face limitations in achieving a compact, space-saving arrangement without compromising the positioning accuracy or resolution of the optically relevant components, such as reflectors and light modules, due to the restricted spacing between the actuating element and the axis of rotation.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a rolling element with two peripheral surfaces connected via a shaft piece, allowing for high repeatability and mechanical strength, and a toothed design for the rolling surfaces, along with a bearing piece and adjusting element integrated as one piece, enabling precise movement transmission and a cost-effective, stable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuator is positioned close to the axis of rotation to achieve a compact arrangement, then the device complexity and space requirements are reduced, but the positioning accuracy and resolution of the headlight adjustment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A rolling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator and the adjusting element. This rolling element acts as a mediator that transforms the linear movement of the actuator into rotational movement of the adjusting element, enabling the actuator to be positioned closer to the axis of rotation while maintaining positioning accuracy through the mechanical advantage provided by the rolling element's diameter and its engagement with both the actuator and the adjusting element
2Device complexity
If the actuator is positioned close to the axis of rotation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjusting resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling element serves as a mediator that provides mechanical advantage through its rotational movement. By engaging with both the actuator and the adjusting element, it amplifies the resolution of the actuator's linear movement into finer rotational adjustments of the headlight, thereby improving adjusting resolution without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling element utilizes its curved, circular geometry to transform linear actuator movement into rotational motion. This curved interface enables smooth, high-resolution angular adjustments of the headlight while maintaining a compact structure, as the rotational movement is achieved through the rolling element's circumference rather than a large lever arm
3Measurement precision
If a larger distance between the actuating element and the axis of rotation is maintained, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling element acts as a mediator that decouples the spatial relationship between the actuator and the axis of rotation. It allows the actuator to be positioned close to the axis while still achieving accurate positioning through the rolling element's mechanical transformation of motion, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy without occupying additional space
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 configuration allows for a compact and space-saving arrangement of the adjusting device while maintaining or improving the resolution and accuracy of the headlight adjustments, enabling a more efficient and precise positioning of the optically relevant components.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling element with at least one peripheral surface which is connected to a shaft piece, with the rolling element being rotatably mounted in a bearing piece and with the rolling element engaging on the one hand on a first rolling surface assigned to the drive element and on the other hand on a second rolling surface and being able to roll on the peripheral surface between the first rolling surface and the second rolling surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The adjustment device has an optically relevant component, which is moved by an actuator. A drive element (8) of the actuator moves a rolling element (9), which is rotatably mounted in a bearing piece (18). The movement of the rolling element in the movement direction of the drive element causes a stubby movement of an adjusting element (3). The drive element is moved linearly by the actuator, and the rolling element has two peripheral surfaces (13), which are connected with each other by a shaft piece.