Rotary Lighting Module Angular Position Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle lighting and signaling systems lack a compact and simple design capable of providing multiple lighting and signaling functions while ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing light ray scattering.

Innovation Solution

A lighting and signaling module with a rotating chassis and optical deflection means, featuring two screens with different optical capabilities, and controlled actuators to manage the rotation and activation of light sources, ensuring precise alignment and compliance with regulatory lighting and signaling functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile reflector with fixed light source is used, then the lighting function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple separate components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source and reflector into a single integrated module where the light source is mounted directly on the reflector support. This merging of previously separate components (mobile reflector and fixed light source) reduces device complexity while maintaining the lighting function, as the integrated module rotates as one unit to achieve both lighting and signaling functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate lighting modules are used for different functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but the overall device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting and signaling functionsVSAvoidmodule construction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal lighting module that performs multiple functions including regulatory lighting, signaling, and daytime running lights through a single integrated design. The module can rotate to different positions and activate different light sources (LEDs, halogen bulbs) to fulfill various lighting and signaling requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated modules for each function

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic rotation of the integrated lighting module to achieve different functions. The module can rotate between a first position for regulatory lighting and a second position for signaling functions, allowing a single physical component to serve multiple purposes through positional changes rather than requiring separate static modules for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the light source rotates with the reflector, then structural simplicity is achieved, but light ray scattering and regulatory compliance become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidlight ray scattering
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses control means that activate the light source only after the rotating module has reached the correct angular position. This preliminary positioning ensures that light rays are emitted only when properly aligned with the intended target, preventing scattering and ensuring regulatory compliance before the lighting function is activated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates control means that monitor the angular position of the rotating module and provide feedback to determine when to activate the light source. This feedback mechanism ensures the light is only emitted when the module is at the correct orientation, preventing light scattering and maintaining regulatory compliance while allowing structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If the light source is fixed relative to the actuator, then mechanical simplicity is achieved, but positioning precision for regulatory compliance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical simplicityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces reliance on purely mechanical positioning precision with an electronic control system. The control means monitor the angular position of the module and activate the light source based on detected position rather than relying solely on mechanical alignment, thereby maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving the required positioning precision for regulatory compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The module achieves multiple lighting and signaling functions with reduced light scattering, maintaining regulatory compliance by controlling the rotation and activation of light sources to align with optimal angular positions, enhancing flexibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

means for the optical deflection of light rays emitted by a first light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical deflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2957823B1Rotary lighting and/or signalling module
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2957823B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling the switching on of a fixed light source (22, 34) capable of emitting light rays into an optical system (18, 20) of a lighting and/or signaling module (10) mounted to rotate between an active lighting and/or signaling position and a rest position. The light source is switched on and off based on information about the angular position of the optical system during its movements between said rest position and said active position.