Vehicle Lamp Suspension With Guided Downward Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lamp suspension systems do not effectively absorb energy during pedestrian impacts, particularly in areas with limited space, such as the hood and front wheel fender, leading to potential injuries.
Innovation Solution
A device that utilizes guiding means and energy absorbers to allow lamps to move and pivot in a way that absorbs energy during impacts, with the ability to adapt counterforces and torque to the impact direction, using a cartesian coordinate system to optimize energy absorption in the Z-direction and pivot motion, and featuring pivot axes and energy absorbers that move with the lamp to ensure effective energy absorption across various impact positions and directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lamp is made rigid and fixed firmly to the vehicle body, then the lamp's structural strength and stability are improved, but the pedestrian safety deteriorates because the lamp cannot absorb impact energy during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the lamp to transition from a fixed rigid state to a movable state during impact. The guiding means allows the lamp to move vertically along the Z-axis and pivot about the Y-axis when subjected to collision forces, transforming the lamp from a static hard structure into a dynamic energy-absorbing component that can yield during pedestrian impact while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful rigid structure of the lamp into a beneficial energy-absorbing mechanism. By equipping the lamp with guiding means and energy absorbers, the previously harmful rigid characteristic is transformed into a controlled movement capability that absorbs impact energy, turning the lamp from a source of injury into a protective element that mitigates pedestrian harm
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lamp is allowed to move freely during impact, then the pedestrian safety is improved through energy absorption, but the lamp's positional stability and alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding means provides controlled dynamics by constraining the lamp's movement to specific degrees of freedom (vertical translation along Z-axis and pivoting about Y-axis) while preventing uncontrolled movement in other directions. This dynamic guidance system ensures the lamp moves in predictable, beneficial patterns during impact that maximize energy absorption while maintaining proper positioning and alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbers utilize parameter changes by transforming mechanical impact energy into other forms of energy through controlled deformation. The energy absorption characteristics are optimized by adjusting parameters such as spring constants, damping coefficients, and structural geometry to achieve optimal energy dissipation while maintaining lamp stability and proper positioning after impact
3Object-affected harmful factors
If energy absorbers are added to the lamp suspension system, then the energy absorption capability during impact is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the energy absorbers directly into the existing lamp suspension structure. The energy absorption components are combined with the guiding means and mounting mechanisms in a unified assembly, reducing the need for separate independent systems and minimizing overall device complexity while achieving effective energy absorption functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding means and energy absorbers are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural support elements during normal operation and as energy absorption mechanisms during impact. This universal design allows the same components to perform multiple functions, reducing the total number of parts needed and simplifying the overall system architecture
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the lamp is designed with movement capability in multiple directions, then the energy absorption effectiveness is improved for various impact positions, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding means provides dynamic multi-directional movement capability through a compact pivot mechanism that allows the lamp to translate vertically along the Z-axis and pivot about the Y-axis. This dynamic configuration enables the lamp to respond to impacts from various positions and directions without requiring large amounts of space, as the movement paths are constrained to efficient trajectories that maximize energy absorption within limited clearance
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 significantly reduces pedestrian injuries by efficiently absorbing energy during both translation and pivot motions of the lamp, even in unfavourable impact positions and directions, using a minimal number of components and ensuring effective energy absorption independent of pivot direction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy absorber for counteracting movement of the lamp in the movement direction and pivot motion of the lamp about the pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (7) for suspension of a lamp (2) in a vehicle (1). The device comprises a guiding means (8) for guiding a lamp (2) to move relative to a vehicle (1) from a first position to a second position in case of an impact between the lamp and an object. The device further comprises at least one energy absorber (9a) for counteracting movement of the lamp from the first position to the second position. The guiding means (8) is arranged for guiding the lamp (2) to move downwardly in a movement direction (10) having a movement direction component in parallel with the Z-axis while the movement of the lamp being counteracted by said energy absorber (9a).