Automobile Optical Group Anchorage with Adjustable Skid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automobile headlight mounting systems require disassembly for fine adjustments and are often inaccessible for adjustment after initial mounting due to design constraints, such as bumpers covering lower anchorages, limiting adjustability and stability.

Innovation Solution

An anchorage system with a first fixing point immobilizing the optical group in the Z direction and at least two second fixing points allowing adjustment and immobilization in X and Y directions, utilizing a skid with longitudinal and transverse clearance for movement, enabling adjustment without dismounting surrounding parts and allowing additional components to be mounted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple fixing points are used to immobilize the optical group in all directions, then the position stability is improved, but the adjustability is worsened because fine adjustment requires dismounting surrounding parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchorage system is segmented into multiple independent fixing points (first fixing point at lower level, second fixing points at upper level), each capable of independent adjustment. This allows the optical group to be stabilized in all three directions while maintaining adjustability through individual fixing point modification without dismounting surrounding parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchorage system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the fixing points can be modified independently after initial mounting. The system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamically adjustable state, allowing fine-tuning of the optical group position even after surrounding parts are mounted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If the lower anchorages are covered by bumpers for design purposes, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the adjustability is worsened because the anchorages become inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidaccessibility for adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention moves the adjustment functionality from the lower anchorage level (covered by bumpers) to the upper anchorage level (accessible from above). By positioning the second fixing points at the upper level of the optical group, adjustment can be performed from a different spatial dimension without requiring access to the lower area covered by bumpers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper second fixing points serve as intermediary adjustment mechanisms that allow indirect adjustment of the optical group position without direct access to the lower anchorages. These upper fixing points mediate the adjustment function, enabling position modification even when lower anchorages are inaccessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If a complex adjustment system with multiple supports and guiding grooves is used, then the position precision is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex adjustment system is segmented into simple, independent fixing points distributed at different locations (lower and upper levels). Each fixing point provides adjustment in specific directions without requiring complex guiding mechanisms, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining position precision through cumulative effect of multiple fixings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex guiding grooves and rotating elements to achieve precision, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple simple fixing points with clearance that naturally allow precise positioning through their geometric constraints. The precision emerges from the arrangement of simple elements rather than from complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2380773B1Automobile optical group and method of mounting thereof
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 SEAT SA
  • EP2380773B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2380773B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2380773B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Anchorage for automobile optical groups which immobilizes the carcass of the optical group to the structure of the vehicle in the X, Y and Z directions, the optical group being the origin of the system of axes, and the X axis being the direction of the beam of light of the optical group. A first fixing point (2) immobilizes the carcass only in the Z direction, and at least a second fixing point (3) immobilizes the carcass in the X and Y directions. The immobilization means of the first fixing point are a skid (4) connected with the optical group through guides (5) belonging to the optical group, parallel to the beam of light of said optical group, and fixed to the structure of the vehicle through a set of jam screw (10) and nut (11). The skid (4) is mounted on the guides (5) with transverse clearance (D) and freedom of longitudinal displacement. The second fixing point is constituted by screw-nut sets (13,14,15).