Integrated Turn And Side Marker Lamp Assembly for Reduced Vehicle Footprint

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lamps require separate housings and components for turn signals and side markers, increasing vehicle footprint and cost.

Innovation Solution

Integration of turn lamps and side marker lamps into a single assembly, with each light source performing a different function, reducing the overall footprint and cost by sharing a housing and lens that conform to the vehicle's bumper curvature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate housings are used for turn signals and side markers, then each lamp can be independently maintained and replaced, but the vehicle footprint and overall cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent maintenance and replacementVSAvoidVehicle footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate turn signal and side marker lamp housings into a single integrated housing assembly. This merging reduces the total number of components and vehicle footprint while maintaining the ability to service individual light sources. The integrated housing contains separate compartments or mounting locations for both light source types, allowing them to function independently within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses both turn signal and side marker light sources, provides structural mounting for both lamps, and maintains aesthetic continuity across the vehicle body. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated housings for each lamp type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate housings are used for turn signals and side markers, then each lamp can be independently maintained and replaced, but the overall cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent maintenance and replacementVSAvoidNumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate turn signal and side marker lamp housings into a single integrated housing assembly. This merging reduces the total number of components and vehicle footprint while maintaining the ability to service individual light sources. The integrated housing contains separate compartments or mounting locations for both light source types, allowing them to function independently within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses both turn signal and side marker light sources, provides structural mounting for both lamps, and maintains aesthetic continuity across the vehicle body. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated housings for each lamp type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate lamp assemblies are used, then each lamp type can be optimized independently, but vehicle mass and visible components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLight source optimizationVSAvoidVehicle mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate turn signal and side marker lamp housings into a single integrated housing assembly. This merging reduces the total number of components and vehicle footprint while maintaining the ability to service individual light sources. The integrated housing contains separate compartments or mounting locations for both light source types, allowing them to function independently within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated lamps reduce vehicle mass and cost while maintaining visibility and signaling functionality, enhancing vehicle aesthetics by minimizing visible components.

Implementation Method 1

a first light source disposed in the internal volume. The first light source may be configured to provide a turn signal for the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a second light source disposed in the internal volume. The second light source may be configured to provide a side marker for the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

The apparatus may further include a lens covering the first light source and the second light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS12540714B2Turn lamps and side marker lamps for front and rear of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An integrated assembly of turn signal light source and a side marker light source is implemented for a vehicle. The assembly may be one of several assemblies for the vehicle. Multiple assemblies may be carried by bumper (e.g., front bumper and rear bumper) of the vehicle. For example, the assembly may be located at each of a front driver's side corner and a passenger's side corner, with each assembly positioned in the front bumper. Additionally, the assembly may be located at each of a rear driver's side corner and a passenger's rear corner, with each assembly positioned in the rear bumper.