DC Motor Headlight Cover with Elastic Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing adaptive front lighting systems for automotive headlamps, which use stepper motors, are complex and costly due to the need for exclusive logic and sensors to control light distribution patterns, increasing manufacturing costs and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A DC motor-driven headlight cover apparatus using a rotary member with protrusions, guides, and elastic members to adjust light distribution patterns without the need for sensors, with stoppers to prevent over-rotation and ensure precise initial position return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a stepper motor is used to turn headlight covers, then accurate control of shield positions is achieved, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to complicated power supply logic and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex control logic and sensors from the system by using a simple DC motor instead of a stepper motor. The elastic member and guide structure replace the need for position sensing, eliminating the complicated power supply logic while maintaining position control through mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically returns the guides and shields to their initial positions without requiring sensors or complex control logic. The system serves itself by using the elastic deformation and recovery of the elastic member to maintain proper shield positioning, eliminating the need for external position monitoring and control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If a stepper motor with sensors is used, then precise position control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive stepper motors and sensors with inexpensive components: a simple DC motor, elastic members, and guide structures. The elastic member acts as a mechanical memory that automatically returns components to initial positions, eliminating the need for expensive position sensing and control systems while maintaining functional precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical control system (stepper motor with sensors and control logic) with a mechanical system using elastic members and guides. The elastic member's physical deformation and recovery provide automatic position control, substituting complex electrical systems with simple mechanical means that are cheaper to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light shields are used to adjust light distribution patterns, then adaptive lighting functionality is achieved, but the number of moving parts and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shields onto a single rotary shaft, allowing them to rotate together as one unit. The elastic member and guide structure control the entire assembly, reducing the number of independent moving parts while maintaining the ability to adjust light distribution patterns through unified rotation of all shields.
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 system, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates the need for sensors, while maintaining precise control over light distribution patterns, enhancing the adaptability of headlight illumination based on vehicle speed.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic member is fitted on the guides. Each of the guides may further have a support that extends the elastic member when the guides rotate with the rotary shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for driving a headlight cover includes a rotary shaft rotated by a motor and covered with shields. A rotary member extends from the rotary shaft, rotates with the rotary shaft, and has at least one protrusion on a surface. A plurality of guides are fitted around the rotary member and have grooves on inner sides, respectively, to receive the protrusion of the rotary member. An elastic member is fitted on the guides.