Light Module Fastening Guide Pin Adhesive Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light modules for motor vehicle headlights face challenges in precise positioning and stress-free fixing of optically functional components due to temperature variations and the need for precise light beam distribution, which can result in undesirable color fringes and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A light module with a fastening device using a guide pin and guide bushing system that allows for precise adjustment and tension-free fixing of the primary optics unit relative to the light source unit, utilizing an adjustment gap filled with adhesive material to establish an integral connection, enabling precise positioning and stress-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If rigid fastening is used to fix the position of primary optics unit relative to light source unit, then positioning precision is improved, but stress and deformation occur due to temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidfastening stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the adhesive material from liquid to solid through curing, transforming the fastening mechanism from mechanical rigid connection to chemical bond connection. This allows the joint to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining precise positioning, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and fastening stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable fastening system is used to allow tilting and depth adjustment of primary optics unit, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidfastening device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fastening function into two independent parts: mechanical positioning through guide pin and guide bushing geometry, and final fixation through adhesive material. This segmentation allows adjustment capabilities to be achieved through simple geometric features rather than complex adjustable mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning is achieved through rigid mechanical connection, then positioning accuracy is improved, but stress-free operation under temperature variations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidstress-free operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive material acts as an intermediary substance between the guide pin and guide bushing, providing both positioning accuracy through the guide geometry and stress-free operation through the flexible bonding properties of the cured adhesive. This intermediary resolves the contradiction between positioning accuracy and reliable stress-free operation under temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for precise adjustment and fixing of the light module components in three spatial directions, preventing undesirable color fringes and ensuring efficient light distribution, even under temperature variations, by allowing for tilting and depth adjustment of the primary optics unit relative to the light source unit.

Implementation Method 1

the adjustment space is at least partially filled with a filling adhesive material in such a way that an integral connection is established between the guide pin and the guide bushing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2693108B1Light module and method of manufacturing the light module
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 MARELLI GERMANY GMBH
  • EP2693108B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2693108B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2693108B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The light module (10) has a primary lens unit (14) that includes an optical element (32) for shaping the light emitted from a light source (26) into an intermediate light distribution. The primary lens unit and a light source unit (12) are fastened by a fastening element (80). An adjusting interstice is engaged with an interior sleeve between a guide pin (82) and a socket inner wall through a pin receiving opening. The interstice is partially connected between the guide pin and a guide sleeve (84) with a filling adhesive material. An independent claim is included for a method of manufacturing a light module.