Rotary Lighting Module with Movable Reflector for Compact Headlamps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlamp technologies are limited in providing multiple lighting and signaling functions while maintaining a simple and compact design, often requiring complex mechanisms to achieve directional lighting and regulatory compliance.

Innovation Solution

A lighting and signaling module featuring a movable reflector actuated by an electric motor, integrated with a fixed light source and a light guide, allowing for rotational movement to switch between regulatory lighting/signaling and appearance functions, utilizing LEDs for efficient light emission and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a movable reflector actuated by an electric motor is used to provide directional lighting and signaling functions, then the lighting and signaling functions are improved, but the device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple lighting and signaling functions into a single headlamp unit. The movable reflector assembly can perform directional lighting (DBL), daytime running light (DRL), and various signaling functions through rotational movement, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through the movable reflector assembly that can rotate around a vertical axis and tilt forward. This dynamic capability allows the same optical component to serve multiple functions by changing its orientation - pointing forward for DRL, angling downward for DBL, or positioning for various signaling patterns, thereby reducing the need for multiple static components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources and light guides are integrated to provide daytime running light and signaling functions, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple light sources (first and second light sources) and their respective light guides into a single integrated headlamp assembly. The housing contains both the movable reflector assembly with its light source and the stationary light guide assembly, merging what could be separate units into one compact structure that provides both DRL and signaling functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes dimensional organization by arranging components in specific spatial relationships - the movable reflector assembly operates in a vertical plane with rotational and tilting movements, while the light guides are positioned in horizontal and vertical arrangements within the housing. This three-dimensional layout allows multiple functions to coexist without excessive complexity.

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

3Reliability

If the headlamp design includes both fixed and movable components for different lighting functions, then the lighting performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting performanceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the headlamp into distinct modular assemblies - the movable reflector assembly (containing the first light source, reflector, and actuator) and the stationary light guide assembly (containing the second light source and light guides). These segmented modules can be manufactured separately and then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable lighting performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 a compact headlamp design capable of performing multiple lighting and signaling functions, including daytime running light, directional Dynamic Bending Light, and appearance functions, while ensuring regulatory compliance through precise light control and animation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the light guide is constituted by a guide in tablecloth whose peripheral part returns the light from the second light source to fulfill a signal function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the light source consists of a light-emitting diode (LED), the second light source consists of a light-emitting diode (LED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2902701B1Rotary lighting and/or signalling module with stationary light source
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2902701B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2902701B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2902701B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lighting and/or signaling module (10; 100), particularly for motor vehicles, comprising: - at least one light source (26); - at least one reflector (18). According to the invention, - the reflector (18) is rotatable by means of an actuator (12), and - the light source (26) is fixed relative to the actuator (12).