Motor Vehicle Mirror Light Guide Through Housing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirror devices for motor vehicles face inefficiencies in light transmission and assembly complexity, leading to suboptimal performance and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mirror device design featuring a light guide that extends through the main housing, incorporating a light source housing with optical elements and a connector to minimize light loss and noise, and a method for assembling without welding or gluing, using a main housing with a cover and case, and an opaque housing body to enhance sealing and reduce parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the light guide is adapted to receive the light source therein (simplified configuration), then device complexity is reduced, but light transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into multiple portions: a first portion extending through the main housing, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a light source housing portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function - the first portion for light transmission through the housing, the second portion for light distribution, and the light source housing for protecting the LED while maintaining optical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source (LED) and the light guide portions. The reflector redirects light that would otherwise be lost toward the light guide, significantly improving light transmission efficiency without adding complex assembly steps or components.
2Loss of energy
If the light guide extends through the main housing, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source housing is merged with the light guide structure, forming an integrated component where the light source housing defines portions of the light guide. This merging eliminates the need for separate housings and mounting structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the beneficial light transmission path through the main housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light from the LED, distributes light to the required areas, provides structural support, and acts as a protective element. The light source housing also serves dual purposes by both protecting the LED and defining the light guide geometry, reducing the total number of components needed.
3Strength
If welding or gluing is used for assembly, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical bonding methods (welding and gluing) with a mechanical snap-fit assembly system. The light guide portion is designed with geometric features that enable direct mechanical connection to the main housing through snap-fit engagement, providing sufficient connection strength while eliminating the need for thermal or chemical bonding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide and housing are designed with self-aligning geometric features that guide the assembly process automatically during snap-fit engagement. The components self-position and self-lock into the correct configuration without requiring external alignment tools, fixtures, or additional fastening operations, simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 achieves high efficiency in light transmission and reduced assembly costs by minimizing light loss and noise, while simplifying the assembly process, resulting in a cost-effective and efficient mirror device for motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide transport light from a light source with reduced loss
Implementation Method 2
The light guide may have at least one optical element arranged along its length to deviate and/or redirect the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror device for motor vehicles is provided comprising a main housing and a light guide associated with a light source and attached to the main housing. The light guide extends in at least one portion through the main housing defining at least one housing adapted for receiving the light source. The main housing may comprise a cover and a case; and a housing body may be fitted between the light guide and the cover. The light source housing may be formed at any portion of the length of the light guide.