Vehicle Headlamp Single Actuator Two-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing headlight adjustment systems require significant manual effort and time for initial setup and maintenance, and the use of two separate actuators for two-axis adjustment is complex and often lacks sufficient installation space.
Innovation Solution
A headlight system utilizing a single actuator coupled with a mechanism that allows the carrier to pivot around both horizontal and vertical axes, enabling automatic alignment of the light module through a ball joint or cardan joint, with separate movable adjusting elements for independent axis control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If two separate actuators are used for two-axis adjustment, then automatic alignment capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and installation space requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators into a single actuator that performs both horizontal and vertical adjustment functions. The adjusting mechanism includes a first adjusting element coupled to the actuator for horizontal adjustment and a second adjusting element for vertical adjustment, which can be temporarily coupled together during operation to achieve two-axis positioning with one actuator, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions - both horizontal adjustment and vertical adjustment of the light module. The adjusting mechanism enables the actuator to sequentially or simultaneously engage with different adjusting elements to accomplish positioning in both axes, making the actuator universal and eliminating the need for separate actuators for each axis
2Extent of automation
If two separate actuators are used for two-axis adjustment, then automatic alignment capability is achieved, but installation space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two actuators into a single actuator unit, significantly reducing the installation space required. The compact adjusting mechanism with its first and second adjusting elements can be integrated into a smaller footprint compared to two separate actuators, while still providing full two-axis automatic alignment capability
3Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment screws are used for basic positioning, then installation flexibility is maintained, but adjustment time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through the actuator automatically positioning the light module to the correct horizontal and vertical angles. The control device receives target position information and controls the actuator to move the light module autonomously, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining installation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from position sensors or encoders to monitor the light module's position and adjust it accordingly. The control device compares the current position with the target position and controls the actuator to achieve precise positioning automatically, reducing adjustment time while maintaining flexibility
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
Enables efficient, automatic adjustment of the headlight to a defined basic position using a single actuator, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining precise alignment for optimal headlight range control.
Implementation Method 1
The light module itself is arranged in a fixed position on a carrier, with the carrier being movably mounted in the housing. It can be pivoted both about a horizontal and a vertical axis, and this pivotability can be implemented, for example, via a ball joint
Data Source
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AI summary
Headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a light module (3) movably mounted in a housing (2) and adjusting means for adjusting the spatial position of the light module (3) in the housing (2), wherein the light module (3) is arranged on a carrier (4) pivotable about a horizontal and a vertical axis (y, z), which carrier (4) is coupled to the adjusting means comprising an adjusting mechanism (8) and an actuator (9) moving the adjusting mechanism (8), wherein the adjusting mechanism (8) is designed such that when the actuator (9) is operated, the carrier (4) pivots separately about both the horizontal and the vertical axis (y, z).