Retractable Headlight Cover for Hidden-Lamp Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges with traditional hidden headlights due to increased costs, weight, and maintenance needs, as well as aerodynamic inefficiencies and safety regulatory concerns.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular headlight system featuring a retractable headlight cover that moves between a deployed position, where it covers the headlight, and a retracted position, where it exposes the headlight, allowing for improved aesthetics and compliance with safety regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional pop-up style headlights are used to hide headlights when not in use, then headlight visibility is improved, but vehicle weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the headlight assembly from the main vehicle body by mounting it on a movable panel that can be independently positioned. The headlight assembly is separated from the fixed body structure and can be moved to a recessed position behind the front fascia, eliminating the need for complex pop-up mechanisms while achieving the same aesthetic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic headlight system where the headlight assembly can change its position between a protruding state (for visibility and illumination) and a recessed state (for aesthetics and aerodynamics). This dynamic positioning is achieved through a movable panel mechanism that allows the headlight to be repositioned without adding significant weight or complexity.
2Shape
If traditional pop-up style headlights are used to hide headlights when not in use, then headlight visibility is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the headlight assembly from the main vehicle body by mounting it on a movable panel that can be independently positioned. The headlight assembly is separated from the fixed body structure and can be moved to a recessed position behind the front fascia, eliminating the need for complex pop-up mechanisms while achieving the same aesthetic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the headlight system into separable components: the headlight assembly, the movable panel, and the mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex integrated pop-up mechanisms.
3Shape
If traditional pop-up style headlights are used, then headlight visibility is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic headlight system where the headlight assembly can change its position between a protruding state (for visibility and illumination) and a recessed state (for aesthetics and aerodynamics). This dynamic positioning is achieved through a movable panel mechanism that allows the headlight to be repositioned without adding significant weight or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the headlight assembly in the depth dimension (forward and backward relative to the vehicle body) rather than only in the vertical dimension. By positioning the headlight behind the front fascia when not in use, the system achieves better aerodynamic flow around the vehicle while maintaining the ability to protrude when needed for illumination.
4Shape
If traditional pop-up style headlights are used, then headlight visibility is improved, but compliance with safety regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic headlight system where the headlight assembly can change its position between a protruding state (for visibility and illumination) and a recessed state (for aesthetics and aerodynamics). This dynamic positioning is achieved through a movable panel mechanism that allows the headlight to be repositioned without adding significant weight or complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular headlight system includes a headlight configured to mount at a vehicle equipped with the vehicular headlight system. The headlight includes a lens and a light source that, with the headlight mounted at the vehicle and, when the light source is electrically operated, emits light through the lens to illuminate a region forward of the vehicle. The vehicular headlight system includes a cover that, with the headlight mounted at the vehicle, is movable relative to the headlight between a deployed position and a retracted position. When the cover is in the deployed position, the cover extends over and along the lens of the headlight so that the headlight is not viewable. When the cover is in the retracted position, the cover is moved laterally away and inboard of the headlight so that the headlight is viewable.