Rear Light Module Removable Proximity Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear light modules for motor vehicles are time-consuming and expensive to assemble and maintain due to their complex integration of sensor functions, which limits flexibility in production and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A rear light module design with an additional mounting for a removable proximity sensor on the connecting side, allowing easy access, replacement, and retrofitting, using existing tooling and mechanisms similar to lamp mountings, and incorporating capacitive or optical sensors for sensing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are firmly integrated into the rear light module at the factory, then sensor functionality is ensured, but maintenance and replacement become time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is separated from the rear light module into an independent, removable component that can be individually accessed and replaced without replacing the entire light module assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is extracted from the sealed rear light module and placed in a separate mounting location on the vehicle body, allowing it to be removed and replaced independently while the light module remains intact
2Reliability
If sensors are built into the rear light module, then sensor functions are available, but production flexibility is reduced and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into separate components (sensor unit, mounting bracket, wiring harness) that can be independently installed or removed, enabling flexible production options and easy retrofitting of existing vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing vehicles to be produced with or without sensors depending on the market, and enabling sensors to be added or removed after production
3Ease of repair
If the sensor is accessible from the exterior, then maintenance is easier, but the sensor is exposed to mechanical pressures and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
A removable mounting bracket or adapter serves as an intermediary between the sensor and the rear light module, providing protected access from the interior while maintaining replaceability from the exterior through the same mounting mechanism
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 design enhances production flexibility and reduces maintenance costs by allowing vehicles to be delivered without sensors, enabling easy retrofitting and protecting sensors within the housing for reliable operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensors are often used in motor vehicle door handles or even for operating trunk lids... a capacitive proximity sensor is used, which has in addition to the electronics a conductor loop coupled with the electronics. Capacitive sensors work in such a way that a conductor loop is repeatedly reloaded via a charging connection, in order to detect capacity changes by means of different charge flows
Implementation Method 2
optical sensors to be used can involve infrared sensors, but it is also possible to use more complex sensors, for example, time-of-flight sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A rear light module for a motor vehicle includes a housing, which has a connecting side facing toward the interior of the motor vehicle and an emission side facing toward the exterior of the motor vehicle. The housing includes multiple mountings at the connecting side, which are designed for implementing and mechanically supporting lamps mounted on sockets. The lamps with their sockets are arranged, respectively, in one of the mountings for forming a connection from the connecting side and extending into the housing. Besides the mountings for the lamps, at least one further mounting is designed, in which is selectively insertable a removable proximity sensor mounted on a socket, so that the proximity sensor can be connected from the connecting side, extends into the housing and detects when a user approaches the emission side.