Light Component Fastening With Torque-Absorbing Intermediate Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

The precision adjustment of components in motor vehicle lights, such as reflectors and heat sinks, is compromised during screwing due to torque transmission, leading to potential distortions in the light image.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement featuring an intermediate torque-absorbing element that fixes the first component to the second component, allowing for precision adjustment while preventing torque transmission from the connecting element, using a screw or adhesive for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a connecting element (screw) is used to fix the first component to the second component, then the components are securely connected, but torque is transmitted to the first component during screwing, causing rotation and compromising precision adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidprecision adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A torque-absorbing intermediate element is introduced between the first component (reflector) and the head of the connecting element (screw). This intermediate element acts as a mediator that receives and absorbs the torque generated during screwing through its friction connection with the first component, while being firmly connected to the second component (heat sink). This prevents torque transmission to the first component, maintaining precision adjustment while achieving secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the head of the connecting element contacts the first component directly, then the connection is established, but rotation of the first component occurs due to torque, requiring re-adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidlight image precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The torque-absorbing intermediate element serves as an intermediary component between the screw head and the reflector. During assembly, the screw is inserted through the intermediate element, and the intermediate element's friction connection with the reflector absorbs rotational torque, preventing the reflector from rotating and maintaining light image precision while simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If friction connection between the intermediate element and the first component is increased to improve torque absorption, then torque absorption improves, but the intermediate element may become difficult to install or remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque absorptionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate element features a friction connection surface with specific local properties (friction coefficient, surface area) optimized for torque absorption. The connection geometry and material selection provide sufficient friction for torque absorption during operation while allowing the intermediate element to be installed and removed with reasonable effort, balancing torque absorption capability with installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Maintains precision adjustment of components during assembly, ensuring a stable and precise light image without distortion, facilitating the production of luminaires with accurate light patterns.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate element can absorb a torque emanating from the connecting element and derive it via the shaped element to the second component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3480477B1Arrangement with a first component to be fixed to a second component, light and method
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 MARELLI GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3480477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3480477B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP3480477B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (12) with a first component (14) of the arrangement (12) being fixed to a second component (16) of the arrangement (12) along a connecting axis (V) by means of a connecting element (24) of the arrangement (12), wherein an intermediate element (22) is arranged between the first component (14) and a head (26) of the connecting element (24) designed as a stop. It is characterized in that the intermediate element (22) can be fixed or is fixed in a rotationally fixed position relative to the second component (16) with respect to rotation about the connecting axis (V) by means of at least one form element (18) independent of the first component (14).