Motor Vehicle Signaling Module Housing With Reversible Shell Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicle signaling modules, such as daytime running lights, require complete replacement when worn or malfunctioning, leading to high costs and complex, potentially damaging maintenance due to their integration within larger housing units, and are susceptible to vibration-induced disturbances.

Innovation Solution

A support housing for motor vehicle signaling modules featuring a lower and upper shell with guide, connecting, and locking members that allow for easy assembly and disassembly without compromising the housing's reliability, enabling interchangeable modules with a flat profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the signaling module is integrated within a larger housing unit sealed with glass fixed by welding, then the housing reliability and sealing are improved, but the maintenance complexity and cost increase significantly requiring complete replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing sealing reliabilityVSAvoidmodule replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two separate shells (first shell and second shell) that can be assembled and disassembled independently. The signaling module is contained within one shell, allowing it to be replaced without replacing the entire housing assembly. This segmentation enables maintenance of the module while preserving the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing transitions from a static, permanently welded structure to a dynamic, reversible assembly. The locking members enable the housing to be easily assembled and disassembled multiple times, providing operational flexibility for maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the housing is made as a single piece or assembled by screwing, gluing or riveting, then the structural strength is improved, but the maintenance difficulty and potential for damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing structural strengthVSAvoidhousing disassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The housing employs reversible locking members that provide strong structural connection during normal operation but can be easily released for maintenance. This dynamic locking mechanism replaces permanent joining methods, enabling both strong assembly and easy disassembly without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking members act as intermediary elements between the two shells, providing a controlled connection mechanism. These intermediaries enable both strong structural integrity during use and easy separation during maintenance, mediating between the conflicting requirements of strength and repairability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the signaling module housing is sealed with glass fixed by welding, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and potential for damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidhousing assembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into separate shells that can be manufactured independently and then assembled using locking members. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each shell to be produced separately and assembled later, avoiding complex welded glass sealing in the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the signaling module requires complete replacement upon malfunction, then the reliability is maintained, but the loss of time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into separable shells with the signaling module contained within one shell. This segmentation allows the module to be accessed and replaced independently, reducing maintenance time from complete housing replacement to simple module swap while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is pre-designed with locking members and guide members that facilitate quick module replacement. The preliminary design of these assembly features enables rapid maintenance operations, reducing the time loss associated with module replacement while ensuring reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3966497B1Signaling module housing for motor vehicles and vehicle equipped with said module
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP3966497B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3966497B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3966497B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a support housing (B) for a motor vehicle signaling module (DRL) comprising a light source and an associated electronic circuit, characterized in that the housing comprises a lower shell (1) and an upper shell (2) which together define a compartment that is open at the front to allow the insertion of the module (DRL), the lower shell and the upper shell bearing, at the rear, guiding members, connecting members and locking members cooperating with each other in order to assemble the two shells (1, 2).