Vehicle Tail Light Reflector Charge Dissipation Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle lighting devices are prone to electrostatic discharge during installation, which can lead to the destruction of electrical components due to high current pulses flowing through printed circuit boards, particularly when metallic components become charged.

Innovation Solution

A charge dissipation path is integrated to direct electrostatic discharge to a ground connection, ensuring that electrical components like transistors and diodes are protected by bypassing conductive surfaces and maintaining their functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the lighting device is equipped with metallic components (reflector with metallic coating) for optical functions, then the light guidance and reflection performance is improved, but electrostatic discharge occurs during installation which can destroy electrical components on the printed circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight guidance performanceVSAvoidelectrical component functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a charge dissipation path as an intermediary element between the electrostatically charged reflector and the electrical components on the printed circuit board. This path provides a controlled route for electrostatic discharge, preventing direct current pulses from damaging sensitive electronics while maintaining the reflector's optical functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful electrostatic charge accumulation on the reflector into a beneficial controlled discharge mechanism. By providing a dedicated charge dissipation path, the harmful ESD energy is redirected through a safe route that protects electrical components while still allowing the reflector to fulfill its optical purpose

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution effectively prevents damage to electrical components by safely dissipating electrostatic charges, ensuring the lighting device functions correctly and improving electromagnetic compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

electrostatic discharge (ESD) can occur via a printed circuit board due to the charged lighting device, with relatively high current pulses flowing along the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

a charge dissipation path is provided as the charge dissipation means, which is in direct contact with the reflector at a first end and directly with a ground connection of the carrier or a central plug device of the lighting device at a second end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2178722B1Illuminating device for vehicles
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP2178722B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2178722B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an illuminating device for vehicles, in particular a tail light, with a housing containing at least one light source, a support accommodating the light source, and a reflector, and with a diffusion lens for covering an opening of the housing, characterized in that the reflector, which is provided with an electrically conductive coating, is assigned charge dissipation means in such a manner that, when electrostatic charging of the reflector occurs, a dissipation current flows to a connection to earth of the illuminating device.