Vehicle Light Guide Assembly Transverse Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices for vehicles, such as motor vehicle headlamps, require complex and labor-intensive securing methods for light guides, involving separate components like sleeves and additional cover parts for shielding, which complicates assembly and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A light guide assembly with a coupling-in region featuring a transverse locking element and a head portion with a second securing arrangement, allowing for secure locking and centering within the support frame without additional components, enabling simpler and quicker assembly by using integral locking elements and a latching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional securing methods using separate components like sleeves and screw connections are used, then the light guide can be secured in the support frame, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and complex with additional covering components needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated directly into the coupling-in region of the light guide assembly, merging the securing function with the light coupling structure. This eliminates the need for separate sleeves, clips, or covering components, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining reliable securing through the locking element's engagement with the support frame
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to automatically engage and lock the light guide assembly into the support frame during the insertion process. The bayonet-style locking mechanism provides self-centering and self-securing functionality, eliminating the need for additional manual securing operations or separate fastening components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional securing methods with additional cover parts are used, then shielding of the light guide is achieved, but the number of components increases and assembly effort is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element serves dual functions: it secures the light guide assembly to the support frame while simultaneously providing the necessary shielding against scattered light. This integration eliminates the need for separate cover parts or shielding components, reducing the total component count while maintaining both securing and shielding functions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that combines mechanical securing (locking and centering) with optical shielding in a single element. This universal component replaces multiple specialized parts, simplifying the overall device structure while addressing both the securing reliability and light shielding requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If the light guide assembly is secured with multiple separate components, then reliable positioning is achieved, but the assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-configured on the coupling-in region with specific geometric features (such as angled locking surfaces and positioning protrusions) that automatically guide and center the light guide assembly during insertion. This preliminary configuration ensures accurate positioning is achieved during the single insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate alignment and positioning steps
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with segmented functional zones: a positioning zone with geometric features for precise centering, a locking zone with engagement surfaces for secure fixation, and a shielding zone for light blockage. This functional segmentation within a single component achieves multiple objectives simultaneously, maintaining positioning accuracy while simplifying assembly to a single operation
Data Source
AI summary
In a lighting device for a vehicle, a light guide assembly (10) for guiding the light emitted by a light source comprises a head portion (12) with decoupling elements (18) for decoupling at least some of the coupled-in light, and also a feed line portion (11), which comprises a coupling-in region (15) for the coupling-in of light from a light source and by means of which light coupled in in this way is fed to the head portion (12). The coupling-in region (15) has a first securing arrangement (13) with at least one element protruding transversely to the longitudinal axis of the coupling-in region (15), for example a pin, by means of which the coupling-in region (15) is insertable into a first securing location in the lighting device and lockable there. The head portion (12) has a second securing arrangement (14) for securing the head portion (12) in the lighting device.