Pivotable Vehicle Light Module With Near-Lens Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle light systems require a mechanism to independently remove and adjust the light source while minimizing the size of the lens and bezel without interfering with light output.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable light module system with a ball-and-socket joint and electromechanical actuator that allows for removable and adjustable light modules, positioning the center of rotation near the lens to reduce bezel and lens size while maintaining light output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the light module is made fixed and integrated into the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of removal and adjustment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of removal and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light module is designed with a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a fixed position (providing structural stability) and a removable position (providing ease of operation). The coupling mechanism enables the module to be dynamically adjusted or completely removed from the housing, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the center of rotation is positioned far from the lens, then the mechanical stability is improved, but the bezel and lens size must increase to avoid interfering with light output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidbezel and lens size
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot mechanism is designed to rotate the light module about an axis that is positioned to minimize the required bezel and lens size. By carefully positioning the center of rotation and using a spherical pivot joint, the system achieves mechanical stability while keeping the light path clear and the overall size minimized.

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

3Ease of repair

If the light module is made removable, then the ease of repair and replacement is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repair and replacementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light module is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently removed from the housing. The coupling mechanism is simplified into discrete elements (pivot ball, socket, and coupling members) that facilitate easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the overall complexity despite the removable design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12466307B1Pivotable light module for a vehicle light system
Publication Date: 2025.11.11 VALEO VISION SA
  • US12466307B1 patent drawing
  • US12466307B1 patent drawing
  • US12466307B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A light system of a vehicle comprising a removable light module, a housing with a receptacle to receive the light module, and a coupling to secure the light module to the housing. The light module includes a light emitter, an inner lens and a pivot. The inner lens of the light module is located at an end of the light module and the pivot has a center of rotation located between a midway point of the light module and the inner lens.