Vehicle Light Module With Lateral Holding Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light modules for vehicle interior illumination using superimposed surface light sources face challenges in minimizing the space between sources to hide non-aesthetic electrical connection parts, as traditional fixing frames obstruct the overlap and expose these parts.

Innovation Solution

A light module design where holding means are arranged to secure the surface light sources only at their lateral portions, allowing the second source to partially cover the first, thereby minimizing the space between them and preventing exposure of non-aesthetic parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixing frame completely surrounding the surface light source is used, then the surface light source is securely held in position, but the space between superimposed sources increases and non-aesthetic electrical connection parts become exposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding stabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means is divided into multiple holding elements that contact only the lateral portions of the peripheral part, rather than using a continuous frame. This segmentation allows the holding function to be distributed at discrete points, leaving the front and rear portions free for superimposition while maintaining secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means is designed to contact the surface light source only at specific locations (lateral portions of the peripheral part) rather than uniformly across the entire perimeter. This localized contact approach provides sufficient holding stability at critical points while leaving other areas free for aesthetic superimposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If the space between superimposed surface light sources is minimized, then non-aesthetic parts are concealed, but it becomes difficult to securely hold the sources in position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidholding stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means comprises multiple discrete holding elements positioned at the lateral portions, which can effectively constrain the light sources even when the overall space between sources is minimal. The segmented structure allows precise positioning without requiring a large continuous frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for minimal spacing (aesthetic requirement) and the need for secure positioning (functional requirement). By contacting only the lateral portions, it provides the necessary mechanical constraint without increasing the overall space between superimposed sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a traditional fixing frame is used, then the surface light source is held securely, but the frame thickness obstructs the overlap between superimposed sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding stabilityVSAvoidframe thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a continuous frame with uniform thickness, the holding means is segmented into discrete elements with minimal thickness at each contact point. This segmentation eliminates the need for a thick continuous frame while maintaining holding stability through distributed contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means is designed with thin film or shell characteristics, contacting the light source at lateral portions with minimal thickness. This thin-structure approach allows the holding function to be performed without significant obstruction to the overlap between superimposed sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2921349B1Light module comprising a plurality of surface light sources

Publication Date: 2021.05.12 VALEO VISION SA

Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2D
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

Light module for a motor vehicle, comprising at least first (11) and second (12) surface light sources, the first surface source (11) comprising: - a light-emitting part (111, 121) and a peripheral part (112, 122) surrounding the light-emitting part, the peripheral part comprising at least two lateral portions (112L, 122L) facing each other, the light module comprising first (3) retaining means and second (4) retaining means for holding respectively the first surface source (11) and the second surface source (12) in position relative to each other such that the second surface source at least partially covers the first surface source, the first retaining means (3) being arranged to hold the first surface source only at the level of the two lateral portions (112L) of the peripheral part (112) of this source (11).