Vehicle Panel Light Guide Structure for Sealed Easy Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting devices are bulky, difficult to install, and require complex tools for production and repair, with potential issues in sealing and dust/water penetration.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle panel integrating a luminous element with a transparent fixing device comprising a single-piece transparent portion and fixing lugs, using co-injection molding of two polymers to simplify production and ensure sealing, while allowing light guidance without disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate housing with light guide is used, then lighting function is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the skin, fixing device, and light guide into a single integrated panel structure. The transparent portion of the fixing device serves simultaneously as a structural element and a light guide, eliminating the need for separate housing and light guide components. This integration directly reduces device complexity and simplifies installation procedures.
2Reliability
If sealing between skin and housing is implemented, then water and dust protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is integrated directly with the skin, forming a unified structure where the transparent portion becomes part of the skin assembly. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components and complex assembly procedures, achieving effective sealing while simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device incorporates both transparent and opaque polymer materials through co-injection molding. This composite structure provides both the necessary optical properties for light guidance and the structural integrity for sealing, while being manufactured as a single integrated component.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex tools are used for production, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is manufactured using co-injection molding of two polymer materials (transparent and opaque) in a single operation. This process achieves complex geometric shapes and material properties without requiring multiple tooling steps or complex equipment, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while significantly improving productivity.
4Ease of repair
If light source replacement is simplified, then ease of repair is improved, but sealing reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is designed as a separate, replaceable component that interfaces with the integrated panel structure through standardized connection points. The fixing lugs and holding clips provide mechanical retention while maintaining the seal through the transparent portion, allowing light source replacement without compromising the overall sealing integrity of the panel assembly.
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 simplifies production tools, enhances sealing to prevent dust and water ingress, and facilitates easy assembly and repair, ensuring efficient light guidance and continuity of the panel's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent portion, extending from said light source to said skin and passing through said window
Implementation Method 2
without disturbance at the interface, in particular due to the diffusing material, of the silicone type, used for the light source
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor vehicle panel (1) incorporating a light element, comprising: - a skin (3) having an outer face (5) facing outwards from the vehicle and an opposite inner face (7) facing inwards from the vehicle, said skin (3) having at least one window (9) allowing the passage of light; - a light source (11) capable of emitting light rays and a device for fixing said light source (11), said fixing device (13) bearing against said inner face (7) to hold said light source (11) substantially opposite said window (9). Said window (9) is free and said fixing device (13) further includes a solid light guide (15) extending from said light source (11) to said skin (3) through said window (9).