Automotive Lamp Connector for Multi-Plane PCB Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive lighting systems face challenges in connecting substrates with different orientations due to tight space constraints, requiring multiple harnesses that create electromagnetic interference and are often expensive and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

An automotive luminous device with a connector system using elastically deformed conductive wires and fixing means, such as screws or protrusions, to securely connect rigid plane substrates in various orientations without rotation or translation, eliminating the need for individual connectors per substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple harnesses are used to connect substrates in different planes, then electrical connection between substrates is achieved, but electromagnetic interference increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate harnesses into a single integrated connector that connects both substrates simultaneously. This merging of connection functions reduces the number of separate electrical pathways, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference while maintaining reliable electrical connection between substrates in different planes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a universal component that can connect multiple substrates in different orientations and planes through a single device. This multi-functional connector eliminates the need for separate harnesses for each substrate connection, reducing overall device complexity and electromagnetic interference.

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

2Reliability

If multiple harnesses are used to connect substrates, then electrical connection is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidconnector arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple connection functions into a single connector assembly, combining what would otherwise require multiple separate harnesses. This consolidation simplifies the overall device structure, reduces the number of components, and lowers manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If substrates are positioned in different configurations, then spatial constraints are satisfied, but connection reliability decreases with conventional bonding techniques

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate configurationVSAvoidbonding connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates elastic elements that can dynamically adapt to different substrate positions and orientations. These elastic components deform to accommodate varying configurations while maintaining consistent electrical contact, ensuring connection reliability across multiple substrate arrangements without requiring precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design allows for changes in physical parameters such as elastic deformation and contact force to accommodate different substrate configurations. By varying these parameters, the connector maintains reliable electrical connection whether substrates are parallel, angled, or in other relative positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures reliable electrical connection between substrates in different planes while mitigating electromagnetic interference and reducing complexity and cost by using a single connector system.

Implementation Method 1

each conductive wire comprising a first end elastically deformed against one of the first terminals and a second end elastically deformed against one of the second terminals, in such a way that each end of each conductive wire exerts a recovery force against the corresponding terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4395078B1Automotive luminous device
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4395078B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4395078B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4395078B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention provides an automotive luminous device (10) comprising a support (3) on which are arranged a first and a second rigid plane substrate (1,2), comprising respectively first and second terminals (4,5), at least one of the rigid plane substrates (1, 2) comprising at least one light source (6); and a connector (7) comprising a connector body (8) and a plurality of conductive wires (9), each comprising a first end (11) elastically deformed against one of the first terminals (4) and a second end (12) elastically deformed against one of the second terminals (5), such that the end of each conductive wire (9) exerts a recovery force against the corresponding terminal (4, 5) and such that each conductive wire (9) provides electric connection between one first terminal (4) and one second terminal (5); the connector (7) comprising fixing means configured to prevent rotation and translation between the connector and the main support.