Rotary Light Module Cable Routing for Unobstructed Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting and signaling devices for motor vehicles face challenges in rotating light modules without hindering the rotational movement due to the presence of electrical power cables, which can cause degradation and interference.

Innovation Solution

A light module design featuring a support system with a rotation guide device that allows the optical deflection element to rotate precisionly around an axis, with cables passing through the guide device to avoid interference, and a cable harness configuration that includes separate portions for connection, intermediate passage, and connection to the light source, ensuring unobstructed rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electrical power cables are used to supply the light source in a rotating light module, then the light source can be powered, but the cables hinder the rotational movement and can cause degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply to light sourceVSAvoidrotational movement of light module
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cable management function from the rotating assembly by passing cables through the stationary rotation guide device. The cables are routed through the stator and rotor structure in a way that separates the power supply function from the rotational movement, allowing the light module to rotate freely without cable interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation guide device acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the stationary cable harness and the rotating light module. The stator and rotor components of the guide device create a pathway that allows cables to pass through without being subjected to rotational stress, thus protecting the cables while enabling rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If cables are routed through the rotation guide device, then rotational movement is enabled, but the cable arrangement becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational movementVSAvoidcable harness configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable harness is segmented into distinct portions: a first connection portion to the control module, a second intermediate portion passing through the rotation guide device, and a third portion for connection to the light source. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function and location within the assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves cable routing complexity by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. Cables pass through the rotation guide device along the axial dimension, utilizing the vertical space within the stator and rotor structure to route cables away from the rotational path while maintaining electrical connections.

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

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

Enables precise and uninterrupted rotational movement of the light module, preventing cable interference and ensuring reliable operation while maintaining power supply to the light source, enhancing the lighting and signaling capabilities of motor vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical deflection element arranged so as to deflect the light rays emitted by the at least one light source to form a light beam projected at the output of the light module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical deflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3239598B1Rotary light module
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3239598B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3239598B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A light module (2) for a motor vehicle comprises at least one light source (8) capable of emitting light rays, a support for said source, a power supply cable (40) for this source, an optical deflection element (6) arranged to deflect the light rays emitted by this source to form a light beam projected from the output of the light module, and a guide device (14) for rotating the optical deflection element around an axis of rotation (4) in order to move the projected light beam transversely. According to the invention, the support comprises a first part (28), which carries the light source, and a second part (30), between which at least one part of the guide device (14) is interposed, and the cable (40) passes through the rotating guide device to be connected to said light source.