Modular Front Light Assembly for Variable Tractor Hood Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and expense of producing different tractor models with varying engine housing dimensions lead to a need for simplifying the production of front light modules, as conventional solutions require custom components for each model.
Innovation Solution
A modular front light system comprising interchangeable left and right lamp modules and an intermediate module with adjustable connection areas, allowing for identical light modules to be used across different vehicle models, with the intermediate module filling variable gaps and accommodating different hood widths, and optionally featuring a camera for monitoring the vehicle's front area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom components are produced for each tractor model to accommodate different engine housing dimensions, then the fit and appearance for each specific model is optimized, but the production complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The front light module is divided into three separate components: a left light module, a right light module, and an intermediate module. The intermediate module acts as a spacer that can be selected in different widths to accommodate various engine housing dimensions. This segmentation allows the light modules themselves to remain identical across models while adapting to different spacings through the interchangeable intermediate module.
Solution Approach 2:
The left and right light modules are designed as universal components that can be used across all tractor models regardless of engine housing size. The intermediate module serves multiple functions: it maintains the correct spacing between light modules, provides mounting surfaces for the light modules, and can be selected in different widths to accommodate various model specifications. This universality eliminates the need for model-specific light module designs.
2Manufacturing precision
If model-specific light modules are manufactured for different tractor variants, then the optimal spacing is achieved for each model, but the production cost and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the light module system into fixed light modules and an interchangeable intermediate module, the patent achieves model-specific spacing without requiring custom light modules for each tractor variant. The intermediate module absorbs the variation in spacing requirements, allowing standardized light modules to be used across all models.
Solution Approach 2:
The width of the intermediate module is varied as a parameter to accommodate different spacing requirements across tractor models. Instead of changing the light modules themselves, the system changes the dimensional parameter of the intermediate module (its width) to achieve the correct spacing for each model, thereby maintaining production efficiency while achieving model-specific fitment.
3Device complexity
If identical light modules are used across all tractor models, then production complexity is reduced and cost decreases, but the spacing and fit for different engine housing widths cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate module serves as an intermediary element between the left and right light modules. It mediates the spacing relationship by providing a physical barrier that maintains the correct distance between light modules for different tractor models. The intermediate module has connection areas that complement the light modules, ensuring proper positioning while allowing the light modules themselves to remain identical across all models.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A component set for a front light module of an agricultural vehicle, in particular a tractor, comprises a left light module (6), a right light module (7), and a first intermediate module (8, 8') having a left connection area (25) shaped complementary to the left light module (6) and a right connection area (26) shaped complementary to the right light module (7) for placement adjacent to the left and right light modules (6, 7), and a second intermediate module (8', 8). The distance (d, d') between the connection areas (25, 26) of the first and second intermediate modules (8, 8') is different.