Headlight Support Frame Adjustment for Compact Dual-Axis Pivoting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustment devices for motor vehicle headlights require significant installation space and lack flexibility in design, failing to meet the increasing demands of modern headlights for efficient use of space and precise optical component adjustments.

Innovation Solution

The adjustment device employs support frames with adjustable triangles and coupling elements that allow simultaneous pivoting about horizontal and vertical axes, minimizing installation space and incorporating actuator-driven mechanisms to ensure precise and efficient optical component adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional adjustment devices are used for motor vehicle headlights, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the installation space required is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidadjustment device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple adjustment functions (vertical and horizontal pivoting of multiple support frames) into a single integrated adjustment device. The coupling elements connect multiple support frames to a common mounting component, allowing simultaneous adjustment of multiple optically relevant components through shared actuating arms, thereby reducing the overall installation space while maintaining comprehensive adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment device is designed with universal coupling elements that can simultaneously pivot multiple support frames about both horizontal and vertical axes. The mounting component serves multiple functions by providing pivot points for several support frames and serving as the base for both vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms, reducing the need for separate adjustment devices for each component.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple optically relevant components are adjusted independently, then each component can be precisely positioned, but the adjustment device becomes overly complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical component positioning precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines independent adjustment capabilities into a unified mechanism where coupling elements connect multiple support frames to a common mounting component. Each support frame can be independently positioned, but the coupling elements allow coordinated adjustment through shared actuating arms, maintaining precision while reducing mechanical complexity compared to fully independent adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling elements act as intermediaries between the actuating arms and the support frames. These coupling elements translate the linear movement of actuating arms into rotational pivoting of support frames about horizontal and vertical axes, providing precise control while simplifying the direct connection between actuators and multiple optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If adjustment device is designed for compact installation, then space requirements are reduced, but flexibility in design is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device employs dynamic pivot points and coupling elements that allow multiple support frames to be adjusted in various directions (vertical and horizontal pivoting). The actuating arms can move linearly to pivot support frames about different axes, providing design flexibility and adaptability within a compact structure that can accommodate different optical component configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple dimensions of adjustment by enabling support frames to pivot about both horizontal and vertical axes. This multi-dimensional adjustment capability is achieved through coupling elements that connect to mounting components at different locations, allowing compact design while maintaining high design flexibility for various optical component arrangements.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4259486B1Adjustment device for adjusting at least two optically relevant assembly units of a motor vehicle headlight
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP4259486B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjustment device (10) for adjusting at least two optically relevant assembly units of a motor vehicle headlight, said adjustment device (10) comprising the following: - at least two support frames (100, 200), - an assembly component (300) on which the at least two support frames (100, 200) are pivotally mounted about a respective horizontal axis (H1, H2) and a vertical axis (V1, V2), - a vertical pivoting device (400) for simultaneously pivoting the at least two support frames (100, 200) about the horizontal axes (H1, H2), said vertical pivoting device comprising a first coupling element (410) and a first drive device (420) with an actuation arm (421) which can be linearly moved in a first displacement axis (A1) and which engages on the first coupling element (410) and drives same in the direction of the first displacement axis (A1), and - a horizontal pivoting device (500) for simultaneously pivoting the at least two support frames (100, 200) about the vertical axes (V1, V2), said horizontal pivoting device comprising a second coupling element (510) and a second drive device (520) with an actuation arm (521) which can be linearly moved in a second displacement axis (A2) and which engages on the second coupling element (510) and drives same in the direction of the second displacement axis (A2), wherein each support frame (100, 200) has a movement triangle (D1, D2) which is arranged on a horizontal plane in the base position of the support frames (100, 200), and the movement triangles of the support frames (100, 200) additionally lie on parallel planes when the support frames (100, 200) are pivoted from the base position by the vertical pivoting device (400) and/or the horizontal pivoting device (500).