Vehicle Light Guide Elastic Mounting Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems face issues with visible fixing elements that impair light output characteristics, reduce optical efficiency, and are prone to mechanical damage due to inadequate fixation, leading to increased production complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A light device with a translucent cover and an inner chamber featuring a light guide with unbinding optical elements, where the light guide is secured by a case with elastic arms that adjust to ensure secure mounting without visible fixing elements, using elastic materials or joints to maintain contact and prevent vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixing elements are used to secure the light guide, then the light guide is held in position, but the fixing elements become visible and impair the output light characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful fixing elements are extracted and removed from the visible area. Instead of using traditional clips or fasteners that protrude into the light path, the patent integrates the fixing function into the housing structure itself, which remains invisible and does not interfere with light output characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary element that provides both structural support and fixation functionality. The housing's inner chamber and contact surfaces serve as the mediating structure that secures the light guide without requiring separate visible fixing elements.
2Reliability
If fixing elements are integrated into the light guide, then the light guide can be secured, but the fixing elements reduce optical efficiency by scattering light
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is extracted from the fixation function, separating the optical component from the mounting function. The light guide remains a pure optical element without integrated fixing features, eliminating light scattering at fixation points while the housing provides the fixation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation function is merged with the housing structure rather than being separate components. The housing's inner chamber and contact surfaces are designed to secure the light guide, combining structural support and mounting functions in the housing itself.
3Reliability
If multiple fixing elements are used to secure the light guide, then the light guide is firmly fixed, but the production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixation functions are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The housing contains the inner chamber, contact surfaces, and fixation mechanisms all as one component, eliminating the need for separate clips, fasteners, or mounting brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the optical components, and secures the light guide through its designed contact surfaces and inner chamber geometry.
4Manufacturing precision
If the light guide is secured with fixed contact points, then the position is stable, but vibrations can cause mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The contact points are designed with elastic properties that allow them to deform and absorb vibration energy. The elastic contact points can flex under vibration loads and return to their original position, preventing stress concentration and mechanical damage while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic contact points provide beforehand cushioning against vibration loads. By designing the contact points with elastic material properties, the system is prepared in advance to absorb and dissipate vibration energy before it can cause mechanical damage to the light guide or housing.
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 ensures a homogeneous light output, enhances optical efficiency by eliminating visible fixing elements, and reduces production costs while providing a robust and vibration-resistant fixation system.
Implementation Method 1
a case (6) made of an elastic material or fitted with an elastic element (69), which enables to increase the distance (65) between the arms (63) at least to the dimension of the diameter d of the light guide (5), and to reduce the distance (65) again between the arms (63) after the introduction of the light guide (5) into its mounting position
Data Source
AI summary
The light device for motor vehicles comprises a carrier case, a translucent cover, and an inner chamber where the light source and a linear light guide are mounted. A part of the light guide's outer casing forms the output surface for exiting light rays. Light guide's body comprises an active part for output of light rays from the light device, and an inactive part not visible in viewing inner chamber through translucent cover. Light guide includes a case comprising two arms, either one having at least one contact area on its inner surface to attach light guide in its mounting position therebetween. The distance between the contact areas can be increased during introduction of the light guide into its mounting position, and subsequently reduced after mounting of light guide to a distance at which the light guide surface is in contact with the arm contact areas.