Headlamp Fixing Part with Shield Bearing Zone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlamp mounting systems, particularly on vehicles with a high front face where headlamps are far from the bumper cross member, face challenges in providing satisfactory lower fixation that meets pedestrian impact and repairability requirements, with limited bending rigidity and potential intrusion into the heat exchanger during impacts.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle headlamp fixing system featuring a shield with a bearing zone on its internal face, where the fixing parts have a holding zone cooperating with the bearing zones, comprising a hollow body with a vertical lug fixed to the crosspiece and a projecting portion to the headlamp, designed to yield in impacts, made of thermoplastic material for enhanced stiffness and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the headlamp is positioned far from the bumper cross member on vehicles with a high front face, then the vehicle's front face height and aerodynamics are improved, but the bending rigidity of the mounting bracket is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between headlamp and bumper cross memberVSAvoidbending rigidity of mounting bracket
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single-point mounting bracket to a distributed mounting system utilizing the shield structure. The fixing part connects to the shield at multiple points (front and rear bearing zones), effectively adding dimensional stability and distributing mechanical loads across a larger structural framework, thereby compensating for the increased distance from the cross member.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The shield serves as an intermediary structural element between the headlamp and the bumper cross member. Instead of directly mounting the headlamp to the cross member, the fixing part uses the shield as a mediating structure with bearing zones that provide attachment points, thereby maintaining rigidity while accommodating the increased distance required for high front face vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the mounting bracket is designed with a zone of fragility to limit intrusion into the heat exchanger during impact, then pedestrian impact safety is improved, but the overall structural strength of the mounting system is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintrusion into heat exchanger during impactVSAvoidstructural strength of mounting bracket
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the fixing part (mounting bracket), the shield with bearing zones, and the headlamp assembly. The fragility zone is specifically localized within the fixing part structure, while the shield provides robust bearing zones. This segmentation allows the fragile portion to deform during impact to protect the heat exchanger, while other segments maintain structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the mounting system have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The fixing part contains a localized zone of fragility for impact absorption, while the shield's bearing zones maintain high strength for structural support. This local differentiation of material properties and structural characteristics allows simultaneous optimization of impact safety and overall strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a traditional mounting bracket is used for lower fixation, then the headlamp can be secured to the cross member, but the system lacks sufficient bending rigidity when the headlamp is at a greater distance from the cross member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadlamp fixation capabilityVSAvoidbending rigidity of fixation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of the mounting bracket and the shield's support structure into an integrated fixing system. The fixing part combines the mounting bracket functionality with connection to the shield's bearing zones, creating a unified structural solution that leverages both components for enhanced bending rigidity while maintaining ease of headlamp fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3727932B1Attachment part for a motor vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3727932B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3727932B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a front bumper crossmember (3A); a front bumper shield, arranged in front of the crossmember (3A); two headlamps (5) arranged laterally on either side of the vehicle (1) and vertically separated from and above the crossmember (3A); at least one attachment part (7) for attaching one of the headlamps (5), connecting said headlamp (5) to the crossmember (3A); the shield comprising, on an inner face (3B.3), at least one bearing zone (3B.5) of said shield (3B), and the or each attachment part (7) comprising a holding zone (23) engaging with said or at least one of said bearing zones (3B.5).