Universal Headlight Adapter with Flexible Arms and Spring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The development of retrofit lamps for vehicle headlights is hindered by the variability in the diameter of the lamp mounting openings and the fixing systems used by different vehicle manufacturers, which makes it challenging to create a compatible solution for diverse vehicle models.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter device featuring a fastening ring with cylindrical sectors and a connecting element, including flexible arms and a helical spring, allows the retrofit lamp to be securely mounted on headlights with varying diameters and depths, utilizing bayonet engagement formations and hook-shaped ends to engage with the lamp's pins and headlight openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal adapter device is designed to accommodate multiple opening diameters (20.4 mm to 28.4 mm), then adaptability to different vehicle models is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for adjustable or flexible mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device incorporates a flexible arm mechanism that can change its shape and dimensions to adapt to different opening diameters. The flexible arm bends or deforms elastically to accommodate openings ranging from 20.4 mm to 28.4 mm, allowing the same adapter structure to fit multiple vehicle models without requiring multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device uses a dynamic flexible arm that can change its configuration during installation. The flexible arm transitions from a relaxed state to a bent state to match different opening sizes, enabling the adapter to dynamically adapt to various mounting environments rather than requiring fixed rigid dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible arm mechanism is used to accommodate varying opening diameters, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device employs a flexible arm made from elastomeric material that can elastically deform to accommodate different opening diameters. This flexible component replaces rigid precision-machined parts, allowing tolerance for variations in manufacturing while maintaining functional adaptability across the required size range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (fastening ring, connecting element, flexible arms, spring) are used to achieve universal mounting, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device integrates multiple functions into a unified structure. The fastening ring and connecting element with flexible arms form an integrated assembly that simultaneously provides mounting, adjustment, and securing functions. The spring is incorporated within this assembly to provide automatic tensioning, reducing the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded flexible arm mechanism automatically adjusts and secures itself to the headlight opening. When the adapter is inserted, the spring forces the flexible arms to engage with the opening edges, creating self-centering and self-securing action that eliminates the need for manual adjustment or additional fastening operations.
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
Enables the mounting of LED retrofit lamps on a wide range of vehicle headlight models, accommodating openings from 20.4 mm to 28.4 mm in diameter, ensuring compatibility and secure fixation across different vehicle models.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis A, with a first end that rests on the outer annular flange of the connecting element and a second end configured to elastically press the fastening ring against an outer edge of the opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A universal adapter device for vehicle headlights, comprising: - a fastening ring (32) comprising an annular rim (34) and a fixing portion (36) located within said annular rim (34) and configured to be engaged by a lamp (22), - a connecting element (46) comprising an outer annular flange (48) and at least one pair of flexible arms (50) extending axially from said outer annular flange (48), wherein said arms (50) are configured to be inserted through said fastening ring (32) and having respective hook-shaped ends (52) for engaging an inner edge (18) of an opening (16) for a headlight (12), and - a helical spring (54) carried by said connecting element (46) and located radially outside said arms (50) with a first end (56) resting on said annular outer flange (48) of the connecting element (46) and a second end (58) configured to elastically press said fastening ring (32) against an outer edge (20) of said opening (16).