Rotary Lighting Module with Stiffening Structural Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting and signaling systems face challenges in achieving a compact and simple design that effectively combines multiple lighting and signaling functions while minimizing vibration sensitivity and creating an optical effect through rotation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting and signaling module with a frame comprising two screens and a base that rotates about an axis, featuring structural elements that stiffen the assembly and act as optical devices, capable of reflecting light from a second source to create a visual effect of vertical movement during horizontal rotation, with the structural elements being made of reflective materials like chrome.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the chassis is made with screens connected only by a base, then the structure is simpler, but the stiffness and vibration resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the structural elements: they provide mechanical support, stiffen the chassis, reduce vibrations, and reflect light for signaling. This merging of functions achieves the desired stiffness without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural elements serve multiple purposes simultaneously: structural support, vibration damping, and optical reflection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving stiffness enhancement while keeping the added complexity minimal and multifunctional.
2Length of moving object
If the screens are extended further from the base, then the optical guide function is improved, but the sensitivity to vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding structural elements at specific locations (between the screens) rather than uniformly throughout. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary stiffness where needed while maintaining the extended length for optical function.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural elements are curved rather than straight, following a circular arc pattern. This curvature provides structural strength and stiffness to counteract vibrations while allowing the screens to extend outward for their optical guide function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective structural element is added, then an optical effect is created, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective function is merged into the existing structural elements rather than being added as separate components. The structural elements serve both their mechanical support function and an optical reflection function, achieving versatility without proportional complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural elements are designed to be multifunctional: they provide mechanical support, structural stiffness, vibration reduction, and optical reflection. This universality allows the system to achieve multiple lighting and signaling functions while keeping the component count relatively low.
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 a compact and robust design that enhances vibration resistance and creates a complex optical effect of helical rotation, improving the vehicle's lighting and signaling capabilities while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one structural element is arranged to pass under the second fixed light source during the rotation of the chassis; this structural element is made of a reflective material, in particular a chrome-plated material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting and/or signaling module, particularly for motor vehicles, comprising an optical deflection means (20) for light rays emitted by a first light source (22). A chassis (18) comprises two screens (28, 30) and a base (32) that connects them transversely at one end. The chassis is mounted to rotate about an axis (14) by means of an actuator (12), so that the two screens are able to assume a position along the path of the light rays deflected by the optical deflection means. At least one structural element (60), separate from the base, extends between the screens.