Vehicle Module Housing With Torsion Spring Shock Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size and integration of sensors in automotive lighting devices for semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicles makes them prone to damage from impacts, leading to high replacement costs and disruption of precise adjustments, while vibrations cause further issues.
Innovation Solution
A functional device with a plate and housing mounted movably via elastically deformable members, using a torsion spring with arms and stops to absorb shocks, allowing repeatable and reversible deformation without disrupting internal elements, and a cam mechanism to control the recoil force and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the lighting device is made larger to enhance aesthetic appearance and functionality, then the surface area increases, but the susceptibility to impact and shock damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a damping system with elastomeric elements positioned between the lighting device housing and the vehicle body before impact occurs. These elements are pre-configured to absorb and dissipate impact energy, protecting the housing and internal components from damage when shocks occur during vehicle operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated into the lighting device for semi-autonomous or autonomous navigation, then the functionality increases, but the replacement cost becomes prohibitive in case of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system with elastomeric elements provides proactive protection for expensive sensors and electronic components integrated into the lighting device. By absorbing impact energy before it reaches the housing and internal components, the system prevents damage that would otherwise require costly repairs or replacements of sensor assemblies.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise adjustment of light modules and sensors is implemented, then the operational accuracy increases, but any impact or accidental contact disrupts the adjustment requiring repair
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric damping elements absorb impact energy before it can transmit to the housing and disrupt the precisely adjusted light modules and sensors. This protects the delicate alignment and positioning of optical components during vehicle operation, maintaining adjustment precision without requiring frequent repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping system converts harmful impact energy into beneficial elastic deformation of the elastomeric elements. By transforming the mechanical energy of shocks into temporary elastic storage and dissipation, the system protects the precise adjustments of optical components while allowing controlled movement during normal operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping system is implemented to absorb shocks, then the protection against impact increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastomeric elements - flexible polymeric components - as the damping mechanism. These elastomeric elements provide shock absorption through their inherent elastic properties without requiring complex mechanical structures, springs, or dampers. The flexible nature of these elements allows them to be integrated into the housing design with minimal additional components.
5Strength
If the housing is made rigid to protect internal elements, then the structural strength increases, but the ability to absorb shock without transmitting force to internal elements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric damping elements are positioned between the housing and the vehicle body to absorb impact energy before it can be transmitted to the housing and internal elements. This allows the housing to maintain its rigid protective structure while the elastomeric elements serve as a shock-absorbing interface that isolates internal components from impact forces.
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
Effectively absorbs shocks and vibrations, maintaining the functional module's alignment and adjustment, preventing damage and ensuring precise operation.
Implementation Method 1
the housing being mounted movably on the plate by at least one elastically deformable member capable of returning the housing to a rest position
Implementation Method 2
the spring comprises a torsion spring with two branches and two arms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a functional device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a plate (2), a housing (3) and at least one functional module placed in the housing, the housing being movably mounted on the plate by at least one elastically deformable member (7) capable of returning the housing to a rest position, wherein the plate comprises at least one stop (8) and wherein the or each elastically deformable member comprises a spring fastened to the housing and cooperating with the or one of said stops of the plate. The functional device (1) is characterized in that the spring comprises a torsion spring (71) and two arms (72, 73) such that each of the arms extends from one of the ends of said torsion spring and each arm comes into contact with a lateral face (81) of the stop.