One-Piece Protective Glass for Integrated Vehicle Lighting Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems for vehicles require separate design, tooling, and installation of first and second lighting devices, which are time-consuming and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece main protective glass housing two lateral diffusion screens and a central lighting module, simplifying design, reducing specialized tooling, and facilitating assembly and installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate first and second lighting devices are used, then independent lighting functions are achieved, but design time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent lighting functionsVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the first lighting device (with lateral diffusion screens) and the second lighting device (with central diffusion screen) into a single integrated lighting device. The protective glass forms a unified structure housing both lighting modules, allowing independent lighting functions to be achieved while eliminating separate design processes and reducing design time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate first and second lighting devices are used, then independent lighting functions are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent lighting functionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both lighting devices into a single unit with a common protective glass housing and shared structural components. This merging reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes, eliminates the need for duplicate tooling, and lowers overall manufacturing costs while maintaining independent lighting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective glass structure serves multiple functions: it protects both the lateral and central diffusion screens, provides a unified mounting structure, and enables both lighting devices to operate independently. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components and simplifies manufacturing.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate first and second lighting devices are used, then independent lighting functions are achieved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent lighting functionsVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both lighting devices into a single integrated unit that can be installed as one component. The protective glass housing provides a unified mounting structure with standardized interfaces, reducing installation complexity compared to installing two separate devices with multiple coupling elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate first and second lighting devices are used, then independent lighting functions are achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent lighting functionsVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both lighting devices into a single assembly unit where the protective glass housing and internal structures are pre-assembled. This reduces the number of assembly steps required during final installation and improves productivity by eliminating repeated assembly operations for separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4650221A1Lighting device with one-piece protective glass
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4650221A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4650221A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4650221A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A lighting device (ED) comprises: - two first sources (SP11, SP12) suitable for generating photons respectively for two lateral diffusion screens (EDL1, EDL2) of the flat and elongated type, and - a main protective glass (GPP) of one piece and defining two lateral boxes (BL1, BL2) housing respectively the lateral diffusion screens (EDL1, EDL2), and a central box (BC) extended on two opposite sides by the lateral boxes (BL1, BL2) and housing a central lighting module (MEC) comprising a second source suitable for generating photons for a central diffusion screen of the flat type and in front of which is placed a central protective glass (GPC).