Pivotable Vehicle Lighting Reflector Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices for motor vehicles face challenges in aligning partial light distributions optimally, particularly in horizontal and vertical directions, to achieve a legally compliant and optimal overall light image.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves pivotable reflectors mounted on reflector holders, which can be adjusted about vertical and horizontal axes, allowing for precise alignment of light segments through adjustable reflector blocks and fixing mechanisms, enabling optimal alignment of light distributions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If reflectors are made fixed and integrated with mounting body, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision of partial light distributions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is divided into two independent components: a reflector holder that mounts to the mounting body, and a separate reflector element that can be adjusted relative to the holder. This segmentation allows the alignment function to be separated from the mounting structure, enabling precise adjustment without increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector holder is designed with pivotability about vertical and horizontal axes, transforming a static fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the reflector to be positioned at different angles to achieve optimal alignment of partial light distributions, while the fixing means provide stable fixation once alignment is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added for reflector alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector holder serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the reflector, enables pivoting about vertical and horizontal axes for alignment, and incorporates fixing means for securing the reflector in the desired position. This multi-functionality achieves precise alignment capability without adding separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased structural complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If reflector is made adjustable relative to mounting body, then adaptability of light distribution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment adjustabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment and fixation functions are merged into a single integrated reflector holder assembly. The holder combines the pivot mechanisms for vertical and horizontal adjustment with the fixing means, allowing the reflector to be adaptively positioned and then securely fixed. This merging approach provides high adaptability while minimizing structural complexity by avoiding separate adjustment and fixation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach allows for simple and reliable alignment of light distributions, ensuring a desired, optimal, and legally compliant overall light image by providing multiple adjustment options for reflectors and light sources.

Implementation Method 1

light from the at least one light source is radiated via the associated reflector into an area in front of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2872822B1Lighting device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP2872822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2872822B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2872822B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one, for example, two or more, light units (2), wherein each light unit (2) comprises: a reflector (3), and at least one light source (4) associated with the reflector (3), wherein light from the at least one light source (4) is radiated via the associated reflector (3), in the installed state of the lighting device (1), into a region in front of the vehicle, and the light source(s)(4) are arranged, preferably fixedly arranged, on at least one mounting body (5), preferably on a common mounting body (5). According to the invention the reflector (3) of the at least one light unit (2), in the case of two or more light units (2) at least one reflector (3), preferably two or more reflectors (3) of two or more light units (2), more especially all reflectors (3), is/are mounted on the at least one mounting body (5) so as to pivot about at least one axis associated with the respective reflector (3), for example, a vertical axis (Z), and can be fixed in a pivoted position.