Vehicle Light Module With Relative Optics Shift for Beam Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting modules require a structural component to move the entire lighting module, resulting in bulkiness and potential light leakage through gaps.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle lighting module with a system for lateral and vertical displacement of collectors and light sources relative to optical output elements, eliminating the need for a structural component to move the entire module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional bulb is used as a light source, then the bulb can be easily replaced, but the light guide element must be disconnected from the bulb holder, requiring additional space and complicating the housing structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bulb holder is integrated directly into the light guide element, merging two previously separate components. This integration eliminates the need for additional connection structures and space, allowing the bulb to be replaced by simply removing it from the integrated holder without disconnecting any light guide elements. The housing structure is thereby simplified while maintaining ease of bulb replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the light guide element is designed as a single piece, then the housing structure is simplified, but the light guide element cannot be replaced separately from the housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing structureVSAvoidreplaceability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide element is segmented into two functionally independent parts: the main light guide body and the integrated bulb holder. This segmentation allows the bulb holder to be removed from the light guide element, enabling bulb replacement without replacing the entire light guide assembly. The segmented design maintains structural simplicity while providing the versatility of separate component replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the bulb holder is integrated into the light guide element, then the bulb can be replaced without disconnecting the light guide, but the holder must be designed as a separate component requiring additional manufacturing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebulb replacementVSAvoidmanufacturing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bulb holder is merged with the light guide element to form an integrated assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection structures and reduces the number of assembly steps required during manufacturing. The integrated design allows the bulb holder to be formed as part of the light guide element itself, simplifying both manufacturing and bulb replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables lateral and vertical movement of the light beam without increasing module size, preventing light leakage and maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide element (20; 200) which has a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to the bulb (3; 300)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight conduction: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP4377151B1Light module for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4377151B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4377151B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4377151B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a light module (1) for a vehicle (2), which comprises: - at least one light source (10) configured to emit light rays (R1); - at least one collector (11) associated with said at least one light source (10) and configured to collect and direct the light rays (R1) from said at least one light source (10) towards at least one optical output element (12); - said at least one optical output element (12) configured to transmit said light rays (R1) towards the outside of said vehicle (2) so as to form a light beam (F1), characterised in that said light module (1) further comprises a system for lateral relative displacement (13) of said at least one collector (11) and said at least one associated light source (10) with respect to said at least one optical output element (12) so as to make said light beam (F1) move laterally.