Integrated Vehicle Lighting Housing in Bumper and Trim Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive lighting systems require complex and costly headlight assemblies with separate components, including a housing, optical system, light source, and electronics, which necessitate precise mechanical and electrical connections, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a lighting unit into a vehicle component, such as a bumper or trim part, where the component serves as both a housing and optical element, eliminating the need for a separate headlight housing and reducing the number of components, with the lighting unit being directly mounted to the vehicle component, often using a standardized connection like a bayonet catch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate headlight housing with multiple components is used, then the lighting function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the headlight housing with the vehicle body component (bumper, trim part, or body part) into a single integrated structure. The vehicle component itself forms the housing part of the light housing, eliminating the need for a separate headlight housing and reducing the number of components while maintaining the lighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle component serves dual functions: it acts as both the structural body component (bumper, trim, or body part) and as the housing for the lighting unit. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the vehicle assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise mechanical connections are made between headlight and vehicle body, then the quality of workmanship is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the housing part directly into the vehicle component, the patent eliminates the need for precise mechanical connections and alignment between separate headlight housing and vehicle body. The lighting unit is mounted directly to the vehicle component, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining aesthetic quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used, then the lighting function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vehicle component with the housing part into a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration directly reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating multiple production steps and component interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle component performs multiple functions simultaneously - serving as the body component (bumper, trim, or body part) and as the housing for the lighting unit. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and associated manufacturing costs.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate headlight housing is used, then the light source is protected, but the water and dirt protection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the housing part with the vehicle component, the patent creates a unified structure where the vehicle component itself provides the protective enclosure. This integration simplifies the sealing arrangement, as there is one less interface between separate components where water and dirt could penetrate.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, a vehicle component is provided that is formed as a trim part or body part or bumper as well. The vehicle component forms at least one housing part for a light emitter.