Inclination Sensor Positioning for Vehicle Lamp Auto-Leveling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing auto-leveling control systems for vehicle lamps face challenges in enhancing the accuracy of inclination angle measurements, leading to suboptimal adjustment of headlamp optical axes, which affects the beam distance and distribution.

Innovation Solution

An inclination sensor device comprising a substrate with an inclination sensor, a case, and positioning mechanisms to accurately mount and position the substrate relative to the case, enabling precise calculation of vehicle inclination angles and control of the headlamp's optical axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If an inclination sensor such as an acceleration sensor is used instead of a vehicle height sensor, then costs and weight can be reduced, but measurement precision of the inclination angle may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of sensor systemVSAvoidinclination angle measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination sensor device is divided into multiple functional components: a substrate mounting the sensor, a case for protection, and two independent positioning mechanisms for precise spatial orientation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining low weight while achieving high measurement precision through careful design of the positioning subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs two positioning mechanisms that adjust the substrate's position in different directions (first direction parallel to substrate surface, second direction perpendicular to substrate surface). By independently controlling positional parameters in multiple dimensions, the system achieves high inclination angle measurement precision while using a lightweight acceleration sensor instead of heavier alternative sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the substrate is not precisely positioned in the case, then device complexity is reduced, but auto-leveling control accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning mechanism complexityVSAvoidsubstrate positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: one for positioning in the first direction (parallel to substrate surface) and another for the second direction (perpendicular to substrate surface). This segmentation simplifies each individual positioning mechanism while achieving comprehensive precision through their combination, avoiding the need for a single complex positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case serves multiple functions: it protects the substrate, provides mounting structures for both positioning mechanisms, and establishes the reference frame for inclination measurements. By making the case multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional structural components that would increase device complexity while maintaining precise positioning capabilities.

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

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

The solution enhances the accuracy of auto-leveling control, ensuring optimal adjustment of the headlamp's optical axis based on real-time vehicle attitude changes, thereby improving the beam distance and distribution.

Implementation Method 1

an inclination sensor configured to calculate an inclination angle of a vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2672791B1Inclination sensor device and vehicle lamp system using the same
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 KOITO MFG CO LTD
  • EP2672791B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2672791B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2672791B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an inclination sensor device. The inclination sensor device includes: a substrate which mounts an inclination sensor configured to calculate an inclination angle of a vehicle; a case which accommodates the substrate; a first positioning mechanism which positions the substrate relative to the case in a first direction that is substantially parallel to a first main surface of the substrate; and a second positioning mechanism which positions the substrate relative to the case in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first main surface of the substrate.