Spherical Headlight Positioning for Compact Two-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems for motor vehicle headlights have a significant space requirement due to their triangular structure with fixed bearing points and pivoting movements, limiting the design and efficiency of headlight systems.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device utilizing a holding element with a spherical sliding surface and a support frame with a corresponding spherical surface, supported by a bearing apparatus, and an adjusting apparatus with independent moving apparatuses that allow the relevant component to pivot about two orthogonal axes, reducing space requirements through a screw-based connecting element that can be released or clamped for movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional positioning system with a movement triangle and fixed bearing points is used, then the component can be reliably positioned and pivoted, but the space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional planar movement triangle with a spherical positioning mechanism. The holding element and support frame utilize spherical surfaces with matching curvature radii, allowing the component to pivot about two orthogonal axes while occupying minimal space. The spherical geometry enables omnidirectional pivoting capability within a compact volume, resolving the contradiction between positioning reliability and installation volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to pass through the support frame via an opening, creating a nested configuration where the holding element is positioned within the support frame structure. This nesting approach eliminates the need for external movement triangles and bearing points, significantly reducing the overall installation volume while maintaining positioning functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting element is designed as a screw means that can be released or clamped, then the positioning component can be adjusted and fixed in position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screw means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the holding element and support frame. It provides a simple yet effective means of adjusting and fixing the positioning component without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple fasteners. The screw thread geometry converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, enabling easy adjustment and secure fixation with a single component.
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
This configuration significantly reduces the installation volume of the positioning system while allowing independent movement of the relevant component, minimizing interference and maintaining precise control over light distribution adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the first sliding surface being designed as part of a spherical surface, a support frame for accommodating the holding element, the support frame comprising a second sliding surface of the surface pair, said second sliding surface being designed as part of a spherical surface and corresponding to the first sliding surface
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning device (10) for pivoting at least one relevant component (20) for a motor vehicle headlight about a first and a second axis (X, Y), comprisinga holding element (100) for a relevant component (20), said holding element comprising a first sliding surface (110), which is designed as part of a spherical surface,a support frame (200), which comprises a second sliding surface (210), which is designed as part of a spherical surface, the holding element (100) being supported in the support frame (200) by means of a bearing apparatus such that the first sliding surface (110) of the holding element (100) can be displaced along the second sliding surface (210) of the support frame (200) about the first and second axis (X, Y),an adjusting apparatus (300), which has a positioning component (301) and a first moving apparatus (310) and a second moving apparatus (320), which are each arranged on the positioning component (301), which is mechanically connected to the holding element (100) by means of a connecting element (400), wherein the connecting element (400) passes through the support frame (200) via an opening (220), wherein the connecting element (400) is designed to transmit a movement of the positioning component (301) to the holding element (100), and wherein the connecting element is designed as a screw means, wherein the positioning component can be brought into a released state and a fastened state, wherein the positioning component can be displaced when in the released state, and the positioning component (301) can be clamped immovably against the support frame when in the fastened state by tightening the screw means.