Vehicle Light Module Synchronization via Transverse Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle light devices with pivoting elements for adjusting light modules suffer from light deflection and require close side walls, limiting freedom in module arrangement and causing potential interference with other road users.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle light device with separate light modules mounted via pivoting elements, where drive elements apply forces in distinct directions to allow synchronized adjustment of both modules' inclination without altering the overall light beam, enabling greater freedom in module arrangement and preventing light deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rod directly transmits tilting movement from one module to the other, then synchronized adjustment is achieved, but light is deflected towards an undesired direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronized adjustmentVSAvoidlight deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful function of the rod (light transmission) while preserving its useful function (mechanical coupling). The rod is repositioned to connect side walls rather than extending between front faces, removing it from the light path and eliminating deflection while maintaining synchronized tilting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system that transmits the tilting motion without the rod directly extending into the light path. The coupling mechanism uses intermediate elements (such as linkages connected to side walls) to transfer motion, preventing direct light deflection while achieving synchronized adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the rod extends between opposite side faces of modules arranged offset in longitudinal direction, then synchronized tilting is achieved, but the side walls must be close enough for the rod to apply force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronized tiltingVSAvoidmodule arrangement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a longitudinal arrangement (requiring offset positioning) to a transverse arrangement (connecting side walls). This dimensional change in the rod's orientation and connection points allows modules to be arranged with greater longitudinal separation while maintaining effective mechanical coupling for synchronized tilting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modules are arranged with greater separation for freedom of arrangement, then adaptability improves, but the rod cannot effectively transmit force between modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule arrangement freedomVSAvoidforce transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs intermediary mechanical linkages that can effectively transmit force over greater distances. These intermediate elements act as force transmitters that bridge the gap between separated modules, maintaining effective force transmission capability while allowing greater spatial freedom in module arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3290270B1Light device of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3290270B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3290270B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor vehicle lighting device (100) comprises a support (110) and two separate lighting modules (120, 140), each lighting module being mounted on the support (110) by means of pivoting elements (121, 122, 133, 134) defining a rotation axis (AA', BB') specific to each module. Drive elements connecting the two lighting modules are provided to pivot a first lighting module (120) according to the pivoting of a second lighting module (140). According to the invention, an actuation device (170) is configured to exert a first force (F1), in a first direction, on the second lighting module (140), the drive elements (130, 150) being configured to transform the first force (F1) into a second force (F2) exerted, in a second direction distinct from the first direction of the first force, on the first lighting module (120).