Vehicle Lighting Mounting Frame Axial Displacement Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting equipment is prone to damage during minor crashes, such as bumps, due to direct impact forces, resulting in costly repairs.

Innovation Solution

A fastening arrangement where the lighting device is mounted within a decouplable mounting frame that can move axially within a body part opening, with a projection extending beyond the lighting system to absorb impact forces, using elastic elements like springs or elastomers for displacement guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the lighting device is permanently installed on the body part, then the lighting device is securely fixed, but the lighting device is prone to damage during minor crashes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidimpact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting frame is designed to be movable relative to the body part along the axial direction, transforming the static fixed installation into a dynamic system. The elastic mounting allows the lighting device to move backward upon impact, converting the harmful impact force into useful displacement that protects the lighting device from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting frame serves as an intermediary element between the lighting device and the body part. It absorbs and dissipates impact forces through its elastic mounting mechanism, protecting the lighting device from direct impact. The projection on the mounting frame further acts as a mediator that contacts impacting bodies first, preventing direct contact with the lighting device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the lighting device protrudes from the body part, then the lighting device is easily accessible and visible, but the lens or diffuser is directly exposed to impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddirect impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The projection on the mounting frame acts as an intermediary protective element that extends beyond the lighting device. When an impacting body contacts the projection, the mounting frame with the lighting device decouples from the body part and moves backward, preventing direct contact between the impacting body and the lighting device lens or diffuser.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic mounting mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by allowing the mounting frame to move backward upon impact. This pre-configured displacement capability ensures that the lighting device is protected from direct impact forces before the impact can reach the lens or diffuser.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the lighting device is rigidly mounted on the body part, then the lighting device maintains stable position, but the lighting device absorbs full impact force during crashes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidimpact force absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting frame is elastically mounted on the body part, allowing it to move backward along the axial direction upon impact. This dynamic capability enables the mounting frame to absorb impact forces through displacement rather than rigid resistance, reducing the force transmitted to the lighting device while maintaining stable positioning during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic mounting mechanism changes the mechanical parameters of the connection between the mounting frame and body part. Instead of a rigid fixed connection, the elastic mounting allows controlled displacement and force absorption, transforming the system from rigid to compliant under impact conditions while maintaining stability during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 arrangement effectively reduces the risk of direct impact damage to the lighting equipment by allowing the mounting frame and lighting device to deviate during crashes, minimizing the absorption of impact forces and preventing costly repairs.

Implementation Method 1

The spring element (14) is arranged within the groove (13) and supports the mounting frame (10) in a displacement direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

JP H02 127138 A discloses a lighting device, presently in the form of a lamp or luminaire, which is prestressed against a body part of a vehicle by means of spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

DE 24 52 337 A1 describes rigid impact absorbing members and energy-dissipating, deformable longitudinal webs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy dissipation through deformation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3681760B1Assembly for securing a lighting device on a vehicle, and vehicle having a securing assembly of this type
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3681760B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3681760B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (20) for securing a lighting device (2) on a vehicle body part (3) of a vehicle (1), wherein said lighting device (2) is arranged and retained in a mounting frame (10), which in turn is arranged within a mounting opening (5) of the vehicle body part (3) and is mounted on the vehicle body part (3) such that it can be moved at least in the axial direction of the mounting opening (5).