Vehicle Lighting Module Reference Positioning and Spring Restoration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light modules for vehicle headlamps face challenges in precise and reliable attachment of light-shaping bodies, such as reflectors, to carrier plates, especially with LED light sources requiring positioning accuracy within 1/10 mm, which complicates the generation of optimal and legally compliant light distribution.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating reset elements and spring-based restoring elements to temporarily hold the light-shaping body in precise position relative to the carrier plate, allowing for easy and stable alignment and attachment, with reference positions designed for geometric center or brightest area of the light source, and secure fastening to a heat sink for effective heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the light-shaping body is attached directly to the carrier plate without temporary positioning, then the assembly process is simpler, but the positioning precision deteriorates and cannot meet the 1/10 mm requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing reference positions on the carrier plate before the light-shaping body is attached. These reference positions enable precise alignment and positioning of the light-shaping body relative to the light source, ensuring positioning precision within 1/10 mm. The reference positions are prepared in advance, allowing the light-shaping body to be accurately positioned before final attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the light-shaping body is firmly fixed to the carrier plate, then the positioning stability is improved, but the ease of assembly and adjustment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the attachment process into distinct stages: temporary positioning using reference positions, and final firm fixation. This segmentation allows the light-shaping body to be easily positioned and adjusted initially, then securely fixed in the correct position, combining ease of assembly with positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple fastening elements are used to secure the mounting base, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the mounting base at the reference position on the carrier plate before final fastening. This preliminary positioning ensures correct alignment, and then fastening elements are applied to secure the pre-positioned mounting base, maintaining reliability while simplifying the assembly process through the preliminary positioning step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates precise, stable, and detachable attachment of light-shaping bodies, ensuring accurate light distribution while allowing for easy assembly and maintaining position until permanent fixation, enhancing the reliability and precision of light module assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the return element comprises at least one spring element, which holds the light-shaping body in its reference position until it is fixed with the fastening elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

To ensure good heat transfer from the carrier plate to the heat sink, it is advantageous to bond the carrier plate to the heat sink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2888520B1Lighting module for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP2888520B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2888520B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2888520B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting module (10) for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle headlight, said lighting module (10) comprising: -) a heat sink (6); -) a base (3) for at least one light source (2); and -) at least one light source (2) arranged on the base (3). The base (3) is fixed on the heat sink (6), said base (3) having one or more reference positions (4) for referencing a light-shaping body, in order to reference a reflector (1) for example, and the light-shaping body has a mounting base (1'), by means of which the light-shaping body can be referenced at the at least one reference position (4) of the base (3). According to the invention, the mounting base (1') is associated with at least one restoring element (7), by means of which the position of the mounting base (1') can be at least temporarily fixed in relation to the base (3).