Vehicle Light Cover Mounting for Contour-Following Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover units for vehicle lights lack adaptability and require significant installation space, especially when dealing with non-rectangular shapes and modern designs, as they cannot efficiently follow the contours of various opening shapes.
Innovation Solution
A cover unit with two-axis rotation and linear movement joints allows independent control of its axial ends, enabling differential movement and adaptability to various shapes, reducing the required installation space by allowing angled and retraction movements, and optionally incorporating a second cover element for larger openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cover units with single or parallel cover elements are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to various opening shapes is poor and installation space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is divided into multiple segments (first cover element and second cover element) that can move independently. Each segment has its own driving mechanism with arms and joints, allowing differential movement to adapt to various opening shapes while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cover unit employs dynamic driving mechanisms with arms and joints that allow two-axis rotation and linear movement. This dynamic capability enables the cover elements to adjust their positions and orientations to match different opening contours, providing versatility without requiring completely different structures for each shape
2Volume of moving object
If traditional cover units are used, then the structure is straightforward, but the required installation space is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanisms incorporate joints that enable two-axis rotation and linear movement, allowing the cover elements to move in multiple dimensions. This multi-dimensional movement capability reduces the linear space required for opening and closing operations while maintaining full operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The arms and driving mechanisms are configured to nest or retract during operation, allowing the cover elements to follow exterior contours in both closed and open positions. This nesting capability reduces the overall installation space required while preserving the ease of opening and closing movements
3Shape
If cover elements move uniformly, then the control mechanism is simple, but the ability to follow exterior contours is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each cover element and its driving mechanism are designed with local differentiation - the first and second cover elements can move independently with different distances and trajectories. This local quality control allows each segment to follow specific portions of the exterior contour, achieving superior shape adaptation through distributed control
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism uses dynamic joints allowing two-axis rotation and linear movement, enabling the cover elements to adapt their motion paths in real-time. This dynamic control capability follows exterior contours accurately while managing complexity through standardized joint designs that can be controlled independently
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a cover unit (100) for selectively covering an opening in a structure, comprising: at least a first cover element (102) having a first axial end (104) being coupled to a first driving mechanism (108), and a second axial end (106) being coupled to a second driving mechanism (110); the first driving mechanism (108) and the second driving mechanism (110) being configured to move the first cover element (102) between a closed position and an opened position; each of the first driving mechanism (108) and the second driving mechanism (110) being controlled individually, and comprising: an arm (112) being configured to be rotatively coupled to the structure, at least one drive unit being configured to drive a movement of the arm (112), and a joint (122) configured to couple the arm (112) to the respective axial end (104, 106) of the first cover element (102), the joint (122) being configured to allow a two-axis rotation and one linear axis movement, wherein the joint (122) is configured to allow the first axial end (104) and the second axial end (106) of the first cover element (102) to be moved differently during an opening movement and/or a closing movement.