Vehicle Lamp Positioning Mechanism to Prevent Thread Overload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting body positioning devices are prone to thread overload and fracture due to the circular motion of the tongue and thread, leading to device failure.

Innovation Solution

A device with a force-locking joint connecting the light module to a follower, utilizing bevelled gears and a fork-like structure with fine threads to transfer motion and prevent thread overload, allowing the light module to be positioned without damaging the threads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tongue with thread is moved along a circular arc together with the case, then the case can be adjusted, but the thread experiences significant load leading to fracture and device failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of the caseVSAvoidthread fracture resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the adjustment mechanism into two independent parts: a first adjustment mechanism for horizontal positioning and a second adjustment mechanism for vertical positioning. Each mechanism has its own actuator and threaded connection, separating the adjustment functions that were previously combined in a single tongue mechanism. This segmentation prevents the thread from experiencing compounded loads from circular motion while maintaining full adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the static circular arc motion with dynamic independent linear adjustments. The first actuator moves the light source horizontally along the optical axis, while the second actuator moves it vertically. This dynamic separation of adjustment directions eliminates the circular arc path that caused thread overload, allowing each threaded connection to operate independently with reduced stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the threaded section length is made sufficient to engage both threaded plates, then positioning precision is improved, but the actuator cannot rotate when threads are overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of the light sourceVSAvoidactuator rotatability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning function into two independent adjustment mechanisms, each with its own actuator and threaded connection. The first actuator controls horizontal position through one threaded connection, while the second actuator controls vertical position through another threaded connection. This segmentation ensures that each actuator operates independently with sufficient thread engagement for precision without the risk of overload from combined circular motion, maintaining both positioning precision and actuator rotatability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively protects the threads from overload, ensuring the lighting module can be precisely positioned without thread damage, maintaining device functionality and extending its lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the transfer means being selected as a pair of bevelled gears 10, 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a threaded section 14 of the actuator 8, 9 is formed in the region of the two neighbouring fixing means 6 with a threaded section 14 provided for mating and cooperating with said follower 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

Said device 4 for positioning the light module 2 is connected with said follower 7 by means of a force-locking joint and/or a form-locking joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce distribution through joint structure: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3634806B1A device for positioning a lighting body
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 HELLA SATURNUS SLOVENIJA PROIZVODNJA SVETLOBNE OPREME ZA MOTORNA IN DRUGA VOZILA D O O
  • EP3634806B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3634806B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3634806B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention refers to a device for positioning a lighting body, in particular a lighting body of a vehicle, such as a headlamp, a fog lamp and similar. Said device (4) for positioning a light module (2) is formed of at least two actuators (8, 9) set at an angle with respect to each other and mutually cooperating, and a follower (7) associated with said light module (2). Said device (4) for positioning the light module (2) provides for the lighting module (2) to be positioned in the case (1) of the lighting body (2), thus protecting the elements of the lighting body against the overload in the terminal positioning region. Said protection is achieved in a manner, that said shifting section (15) which is associated with each end of the threaded section (14) is pushed, in each extreme rotated position of the fork-like structure (18) and with continuous entering of torque into the actuator (8), between the threaded plates (19, 20).