Universal DRL Module Hooking for Headlamp Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of daytime running light (DRL) modules into motor vehicle headlight housings is challenging due to the need for precise positioning and reliable sealing, especially since halogen and LED headlight housings have structurally different housings with identical peripheral grooves for fixing the lens, complicating the assembly process and requiring separate DRL module housings for each type.

Innovation Solution

A daytime signaling module with hooking members on its upper and side edges that fit into the peripheral groove of the headlight housing, along with a central notch for a support tab on the glass, allowing for secure retention and alignment within the headlight housing, enabling the same module to be compatible with both halogen and LED headlight housings without modifying the style or compromising reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate DRL module housings are produced for halogen and LED headlight housings, then the integration is adapted to each type, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration compatibilityVSAvoidhousing variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DRL module housing is designed with a universal attachment member that can be integrated into both halogen and LED headlight housings. The attachment member features a standardized configuration with fixing tabs that cooperate with the identical peripheral groove structure found in both headlight types, allowing a single DRL module design to serve multiple headlight configurations without requiring separate housing variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If precise positioning and perfect integration are required for module assembly, then the sealing and appearance are reliable, but the assembly operation becomes delicate and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing and appearanceVSAvoidassembly operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member is pre-formed with fixing tabs and attachment features that are designed to automatically align with the peripheral groove structure during assembly. The longitudinal stiffening rib and fixing tab configuration are prepared in advance to guide the DRL module into correct positioning, eliminating the need for delicate manual adjustment during the assembly process while ensuring reliable sealing and appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the DRL module is fixed after assembly on the vehicle structure, then the positioning is fixed, but the adjustment and repositioning become impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member employs a dynamic fixing mechanism where the fixing tabs engage with the peripheral groove through a snap-fit or interference fit design. This allows the DRL module to be easily installed and removed by simple insertion and extraction motions, providing both stable positioning during operation and ease of repositioning or repair when needed, without requiring complex fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3966496B1Daytime signaling module for motor vehicles and lighting and signaling assembly comprising said module
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP3966496B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3966496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3966496B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates, on one hand, to a daytime signaling module (1) for motor vehicles, designed to be incorporated in a headlamp housing (2) that is closed off by a lens (3) and provided with a peripheral groove (20) receiving the edge of said lens, characterized in that the signaling module (1) comprises, on its upper edge and its lateral edges, hooking members designed to be fitted into the peripheral groove (20) in the upper portion of the headlamp housing (2) and, on the other hand, to a lighting and signaling assembly (E) incorporated in the module (1).