Motor Vehicle Headlamp Coupling Mechanism for Light Module Alignment
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle headlight systems face challenges in adjusting light module directions to achieve rule-compliant light distributions, particularly due to manufacturing tolerances and vehicle inclination, leading to complex and error-prone adjustments that can result in protrusion of functional areas into the beam path or visibility from outside, affecting both appearance and lighting performance.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism with a two-sided lever and coupling rods, allowing non-parallel bearing planes for the light modules, which enables adjustments that minimize protrusion and visibility issues, by converting movements into perpendicular or inclined adjustments, and using a displaceable carriage for independent vertical adjustments, ensuring synchronous and stable module alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light modules are arranged offset in the direction of travel to generate rule-compliant light distributions, then the light distribution function is improved, but functional areas of one light module protrude into the beam path of another or become visible from outside, affecting appearance and lighting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by tilting the bearing plane of the second light module relative to the bearing plane of the first light module. Instead of arranging light modules in a simple offset configuration along the direction of travel, the invention introduces a spatial dimension by rotating one bearing plane at an angle, thereby positioning functional areas outside the beam path while maintaining effective light distribution.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment means are used to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and set light module directions, then the light distribution accuracy is improved, but the adjustment process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the bearing planes of light modules at specific angles relative to each other during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration of non-parallel bearing planes is designed to automatically compensate for manufacturing tolerances and optimize light distribution, thereby reducing the complexity and errors associated with subsequent adjustment processes.
3Reliability
If basic setting is performed to adjust headlight directions relative to the road, then the rule compliance is improved, but the setting requires repeated adjustments during vehicle life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the adjustment mechanism to accommodate changes in vehicle inclination due to loads and dynamic axle load shifts. The system allows for automatic or manual re-adjustment of the bearing plane angles, enabling the headlight direction to adapt dynamically to varying vehicle conditions while maintaining rule compliance throughout the vehicle's operational life.
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 solution allows for precise adjustment of light module directions without protrusion into the beam path, enhancing the appearance and lighting performance by minimizing deviations and maintaining mechanical stability, while allowing for easy adjustment and synchronization of light modules.
Implementation Method 1
The two light modules are movably connected to one another via a coupling mechanism in such a way that a pivoting movement about the first axis of one of the two light modules is transmitted to the other light module
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a motor vehicle headlamp (10) which is provided with a first optical module (12) and a second optical module (14), wherein each optical module is capable of swinging around a first shaft (18,22) and a second shaft (20,24) and the two optical modules can be movably connected through a coupling mechanism, allowing swinging generated by the first shaft (18,22) around the two optical modules (12,14) to be respectively transferred to a corresponding optical module (12, 14). The motor vehicle headlamp is characterized by comprising the coupling mechanism which is provided ith a bidirectional lever and two coupling levers which form a coupling chain of the kinematics.