Vehicle Light Module Adjustment Device with Flat Support Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment devices for vehicle light modules face challenges in effectively transmitting forces due to limited tolerance compensation at the joint, leading to inefficient force transmission.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a shell-shaped joint part with flat contact on a support frame, featuring wing-shaped locking elements and flexible legs, allowing for direct force transmission and tolerance compensation between the shell-shaped and cup-shaped joint parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spherical joint part is held in a latching manner in a shell-shaped joint part via line support, then the joint can accommodate positional deviations, but the force transmission capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from line support (1D) to surface support (2D) by introducing a flat support section on the shell-shaped joint part that contacts a corresponding flat surface on the support frame. This dimensional increase provides both tolerance compensation in multiple directions and sufficient force transmission area, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: the spherical joint part for rotation, the shell-shaped joint part with flat support section for tolerance compensation, and the locking elements for positional fixation. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in its function while working together to achieve both tolerance compensation and force transmission.
2Device complexity
If a spherical joint part is mounted in a cup-shaped joint part with limited contact area, then the joint structure is simple, but the force transmission is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The joint design incorporates dynamic elements including the flexible legs that can deform during assembly and operation, and the locking elements that can transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining force transmission, achieving both simplicity and effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking elements are added to the shell-shaped joint part to fix position, then positional stability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are integrated directly into the shell-shaped joint part as protrusions formed from the same material and manufacturing process. This merging of functions (structural support and locking) into a single component reduces overall complexity while achieving positional stability, as the locking features are inherent to the joint part design rather than separate additions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustment device for light modules in a vehicle, by means of which the light module (2) is arranged to pivot about a horizontal or vertical axis relative to a housing (1). The adjustment device has a control element (8) which is arranged to move along an adjustment direction and which is connected, via a joint (7), to a support frame (3) that supports the light module, the joint (7) comprising a spherical joint part (12) and a cup-shaped joint part (13) for accommodating the former, the cup-shaped joint part (13) comprising a flat support section (15) for resting flat on a holding member (16) of the support frame (3), the flat support section (15) being mounted on the holding member (16) to slide transversely to the adjustment direction (V).