Motor Vehicle Lighting Device Rotation Guide Bearing Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlamp systems with directional lighting functions face challenges due to the increased weight of multiple parts attached to the light module, which can hinder the rotation and require oversized drive elements, affecting the efficiency and reliability of directional lighting.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling device with a mobile light module that rotates around an axis, where the rotation guide bearing is formed partly by the base and partly by a support part of a fan, allowing the module to pivot and orient the optical axis according to the vehicle's trajectory, with the fan being fixed relative to the housing to reduce weight and enhance rotation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are attached to the light module to enable directional lighting rotation, then the lighting function is improved, but the weight of the module increases and rotation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional lighting functionVSAvoidmodule weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fan support structure with the rotation guide bearing function into a single integrated component. The fan support part not only holds the cooling fan but also forms part of the bearing that guides the light module's rotation, eliminating the need for separate bearing components and reducing overall weight while maintaining rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fan support part is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cooling fan, forms part of the rotation guide bearing, and contributes to the overall housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing weight while preserving all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are attached to the light module to enable directional lighting rotation, then the lighting function is improved, but the drive elements must be oversized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional lighting functionVSAvoiddrive elements sizing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the fan support with the rotation guide bearing, the patent reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the rotational mechanism. This integration allows for more compact and appropriately sized drive elements, as the reduced weight and simplified mechanics eliminate the need for oversized drives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If the fan is fixed relative to the housing instead of the rotating module, then rotation efficiency is improved, but heat exchange effectiveness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation speedVSAvoidheat exchange effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic positioning where the fan is fixed to the housing (non-rotating frame) while the light module rotates around it. This creates a dynamic relative motion between the fan blades and the cooling fins, ensuring continuous air flow and effective heat exchange regardless of the module's rotational position, thus maintaining cooling effectiveness while enabling smooth rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration simplifies the housing and reduces the number of parts, enabling faster and more reliable rotation of the light module while maintaining effective heat exchange and cooling, thus improving the directional lighting functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the fan is carried by the support part so as to be located at the verticality of at least part of these fins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

cooling members, the support piece and the fan are positioned and fixed behind this base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

cooling members may comprise fins arranged projecting from the module so as to optimize the heat exchange surface between the latter and the ambient air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3251895B1Lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3251895B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3251895B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A lighting and/or directional signaling device (1) for a motor vehicle comprises a light module (2) that rotates about an axis (AA) supported by a base (12) carrying guide elements that rotate (10) about the axis (AA). A bearing (11) for the rotating guide elements is formed partly by the base (12) and partly by a support piece (34) for a fan (36).