Dual Headlamp Module Linkage for Uneven Pivoting Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle lighting and signaling devices with tilting modules face challenges in achieving compact, robust, and efficient design, particularly in adjusting the angular movement of modules to emit light in the same direction while maintaining clearance with the housing, which can be inconsistent across the projector architecture.

Innovation Solution

A lighting and signaling device with two modules that can tilt around distinct axes, utilizing a common operating mechanism with arms and ball joint connections, allowing for independent rotation of each module while maintaining alignment, and featuring adjustable clearance between the modules and the housing to accommodate different projector architectures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If uniform clearance is provided between each module and the top wall of the housing, then sufficient space is available for module pivoting, but the projector design becomes less adaptable to varying architectural requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign adaptabilityVSAvoidmodule pivoting clearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the housing into separate compartments, each dedicated to a specific lighting module. Each module has its own independent adjustment space, allowing non-uniform clearance distribution. This segmentation enables the first module to have larger clearance for greater pivoting range while the second module has smaller clearance, resolving the contradiction between design adaptability and pivoting clearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different clearance dimensions to different locations within the housing. Specifically, the first lighting module is positioned with a first clearance dimension from the top wall, while the second lighting module is positioned with a second clearance dimension that differs from the first. This local differentiation of clearance quality allows each module to have optimal pivoting space according to its specific requirements, while maintaining overall design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the same clearance dimension is provided for both modules, then the housing design is simplified, but the lighting functions cannot be independently optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing design simplicityVSAvoidlighting function optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into distinct regions for each lighting module, with independent clearance specifications. This segmentation allows the first module to be optimized for its specific lighting function with appropriate clearance, while the second module receives different clearance optimized for its function, without complicating the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different clearance dimensions are applied locally to different modules based on their specific functional requirements. The first module receives a first clearance dimension optimized for its pivoting needs, while the second module receives a second clearance dimension optimized for its requirements. This local quality differentiation enables independent optimization of lighting functions while maintaining a systematic housing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3127746B1Lighting and/or signalling device of a motor vehicle comprising at least two lighting modules
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3127746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3127746B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3127746B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting and/or signaling device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2) containing at least one first lighting module (3) for emitting first beams of light along a principal emission direction (L), said first module being capable of pivoting about a first axis of rotation (A1), a second lighting module (4) for emitting second beams of light along a principal emission direction, said second module being capable of pivoting about a second axis of rotation (A2), and a control mechanism (5) common to said two lighting modules (3, 4). The control mechanism (5) is rotatable about a pivoting axis (A3) and comprises a first arm (19) associated with the first lighting module (3) and a second arm (19') associated with the second lighting module (4). Application to motor vehicles.