Vehicle Headlamp Module Coupling for Compact Beam Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headlight systems with multiple light modules face challenges in adjusting these modules independently or simultaneously due to bulky and complex coupling means, which are unsuitable for increasing the number of modules and are limited by aesthetic and spatial constraints.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a plurality of light modules featuring a connecting rod and slide mechanism that allows for simple and efficient adjustment, minimizing size and accommodating multiple modules by using offset configurations and shared pivot axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional coupling means are used to adjust multiple light modules, then adjustment capability is provided, but device complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidcoupling means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is divided into multiple independent light modules (first, second, third modules) each with its own intermediate support and pivot axis. This segmentation allows each module to be adjusted independently while maintaining overall system functionality, reducing the complexity of coupling mechanisms needed for coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main plate serves multiple functions: it supports all light modules, provides a common pivot axis for simultaneous adjustment, and acts as the structural base for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate coupling mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more light modules are added to the headlight, then lighting functionality is enhanced, but space requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionalityVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Light modules are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with offsets along the longitudinal direction (x-axis) in addition to vertical stacking. This spatial arrangement allows multiple modules to be packed more efficiently within the available headlight housing volume, accommodating enhanced lighting functionality without proportionally increasing the overall footprint.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple light modules are nested within the headlight housing structure, with each module positioned at different depths and vertical levels. The intermediate supports and main plate create a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization, allowing three or more modules to coexist in a compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If light modules are positioned with offsets, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Light modules are positioned with asymmetric offsets relative to the main plate and each other. The first, second, and third modules have different longitudinal positions (x-coordinates) and vertical positions (z-coordinates), creating an asymmetric arrangement that provides varied adjustment flexibility for each module while maintaining a relatively simple common pivot axis structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4422922B1Lighting device for a headlamp of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4422922B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4422922B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4422922B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (7) for a headlamp of a vehicle (1), comprising a main mounting plate (9), a plurality of separate lighting modules (11, 111, 211) that are each mounted on an intermediate support (17, 117, 217), each intermediate support being mounted, relative to the main mounting plate (9), so as to be movable about a pivot axis (2000, 2100, 2200) of the module (11, 111, 211) in question, the device also comprising at least one member (25) for coupling an assembly or subassembly of two modules (11, 111, 211) of the plurality of modules (11, 111, 211), connecting the intermediate supports (17, 117, 217) bearing the two modules (11, 111, 211) so as to allow simultaneous movement of the two modules (11, 111, 211).