Motor Vehicle Headlight Adjustment Device with Rocker Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlight adjustment systems are complex, requiring many components and significant space, making installation difficult and limiting design options due to their complicated structure and large size.

Innovation Solution

The adjustment device employs a mechanical coupling system with rocker elements and pivot bearing points to allow simultaneous vertical and horizontal adjustment of optically relevant structural units, maintaining parallel axes and reducing the need for separate holders, using coupling elements that can change length and drive means for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional adjustment systems are used, then vertical and horizontal adjustment of light modules is achieved, but the system becomes complex with many individual components and complicated structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (vertical and horizontal adjustment of multiple light modules) into a single integrated adjustment device. The coupling element mechanically links multiple structurally relevant units, allowing simultaneous adjustment of all units through a single adjustment element, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining full adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment device is designed as a universal system that can adjust multiple different types of structurally relevant units (light modules with different optical axes and adjustment points) using the same mechanical coupling mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each light module.

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

2Ease of operation

If traditional adjustment systems with many components are used, then adjustment functionality is provided, but installation becomes more difficult and requires more time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated device that can be installed as one unit rather than assembling multiple separate components. The coupling element is designed to simultaneously engage with multiple structurally relevant units, allowing all adjustments to be made through a single installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If traditional adjustment systems are used, then light module adjustment is achieved, but construction and pivoting space within the headlight is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight module adjustmentVSAvoidpivoting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to operate within the existing compact headlight structure by nesting the adjustment movements within the available space. The coupling element allows pivoting movements to occur in a coordinated manner that minimizes the required construction space while still enabling full adjustment range for all light modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution simplifies the adjustment process, reduces the number of components, and provides more design flexibility by enabling precise and efficient adjustment of light modules within the headlight, accommodating vehicle inclinations and varying driving conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the pivotable mounting of the first and second optically relevant structural unit is carried out a mechanical coupling is mechanically coupled to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling:

Implementation Method 2

a first pivot bearing point which is between the first and second ends is arranged on the first rocker element, so that the first and the second end are pivotable about a first axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting:

Data Source

PatentEP4201742A1Adjustment device for a motor vehicle headlight
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP4201742A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4201742A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4201742A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Adjustment device (10) for a motor vehicle headlight for simultaneously adjusting a first and a second optically relevant component (100, 200) of the motor vehicle headlight, wherein the optically relevant components (100, 200) have adjustment triangles which are horizontally and vertically mirrored relative to each other, wherein the pivotable mounting of the first and second optically relevant components (100, 200) is mechanically coupled to each other by a mechanical coupling, such that the spatial orientation of the optically relevant component is upright at all times, wherein the mechanical coupling comprises: - a first rocker element (400) with a first and second end (410, 420) which perform an opposite movement when the first rocker element (400) is pivoted about a first axis of rotation (DA1), and - a second rocker element (500) with a first and second end (510, 520),which perform an opposite movement when the second rocker element (500) pivots about a second axis of rotation (DA2).