Headlamp Locating Pin Assembly for Precise Compact Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlamp assembly methods using pin-orifice arrangements for positioning components are inefficient due to large elastic pins consuming space and compromising geometry control, which is not compatible with compact design trends.
Innovation Solution
A module design featuring plastically deformable locating pins with excrescences that fit into corresponding orifices, allowing precise positioning without elastic parts, thus ensuring controlled geometry and reduced space consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic pins are used for positioning components, then assembly is facilitated, but space consumption increases and geometry control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the locating pin from elastic to plastic. The pin is made of plastic material that allows permanent deformation, enabling it to be inserted into the orifice and deformed to lock in position. This eliminates the need for large-diameter elastic pins while maintaining assembly ease and improving geometry control.
2Ease of operation
If elastic pins are used for positioning components, then assembly is facilitated, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the locating pin from elastic to plastic. The pin is made of plastic material that allows permanent deformation, enabling it to be inserted into the orifice and deformed to lock in position. This eliminates the need for large-diameter elastic pins while maintaining assembly ease and improving geometry control.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional machinery and glue are used for alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-aligning mechanism where the plastic locating pin with excrescences automatically centers itself within the orifice during insertion. The excrescences deform plastically to engage with the orifice walls, providing self-centering and positioning functionality without requiring external alignment machinery or adhesive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional components such as glue and alignment machinery by incorporating the positioning and fixing functionality directly into the locating pin structure itself. The pin's plastic material and excrescence design provide all necessary functions in a single integrated component.
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
The design achieves precise alignment of components with minimal space usage, eliminating the need for additional machinery and glue, and maintaining stability against thermal expansion, suitable for compact headlamp designs.
Implementation Method 1
said outer lateral thickness is configured to deform plastically and rest against the orifice when inserted into said orifice, thereby forming a firm abutment that keeps the pillar centred inside the orifice
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A module of at least two components of a vehicle headlamp, wherein one (4) of the components has at least one locating pin (30) comprising a pillar (22) with plastically deformable outer lateral thickness (26) around the pillar, while another one (5) of the components has a locating orifice (31), and wherein the outer lateral thickness (26) is configured to deform plastically and rest against the orifice (31) when inserted into said orifice, thereby forming a firm abutment that keeps the pillar (22) centred inside the orifice (31).