Vehicle Lighting Apparatus Light Source Carrier Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices for vehicles face inaccuracies in positioning the light source relative to the optical device due to a long tolerance chain, making precise alignment difficult and limiting adjustability after assembly.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device design where the light source carrier is fastened between the optics and cooling devices, allowing for precise adjustment before fixing, with a screw connection and internal threads in the optics device for secure alignment, enabling compensation of tolerances and easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the light source carrier is connected over a large area to the cooling device via gluing or screwing, then a stable light source cooling unit is formed, but a relatively long tolerance chain is created from the light source carrier via the cooling device to the optical device, promoting inaccuracies in positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of light source cooling unitVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of light source relative to optical device
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the assembly into separate functional units: the light source device with carrier, the optical device, and the cooling device. Each unit can be manufactured and adjusted independently, then assembled together. This segmentation breaks the long tolerance chain by eliminating the need for cumulative precision across multiple connection points, as each component has its own reference surfaces and adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism between the light source carrier and the optical device. This intermediary system allows for precise positioning and alignment during assembly, acting as a mediator that compensates for tolerances in the individual components. The adjustment mechanism enables fine-tuning of the light source position relative to the optical device without being constrained by the cumulative tolerances of the cooling device connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the light source carrier is positioned on the optics device and then the cooling device is placed on top, then positioning is completed, but readjustment is no longer possible after assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidadjustability of light source position
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable and movable elements in the assembly structure. The light source carrier includes adjustment mechanisms that allow for dynamic repositioning even after initial assembly. The connection between components is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, enabling readjustment of the light source position relative to the optical device while maintaining stable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary adjustment capabilities built into the assembly structure. Adjustment mechanisms are pre-configured to allow for fine-tuning of the light source position after assembly. The design includes built-in adjustment features such as threaded rods, adjustable mounts, or repositionable elements that enable readjustment without disassembling the entire unit, thus maintaining both assembly efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple components are connected in a long chain from light source carrier to optical device, then assembly is simplified, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to accumulated tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the assembly into distinct modules with clear reference surfaces and independent adjustment mechanisms. Each segment (light source carrier, optical device, cooling device) can be manufactured separately with standardized interfaces, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining positioning accuracy through localized adjustment capabilities at each interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enhances positioning accuracy and simplifies assembly by allowing independent alignment and fixing of the light source relative to the optical device, reducing assembly work and ensuring secure attachment.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling device (3) for cooling the light source device (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

cooling ribs (13) are provided for dissipating the heat into the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3593033B1Lighting apparatus for vehicles
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP3593033B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3593033B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3593033B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting apparatus for vehicles, said lighting apparatus comprising: a light-source device containing a light source and a light source carrier; an optical device for generating a predefined light distribution; and a cooling device for the light source; the light source being fastened relative to the optical device in a target calibration position, and the light source carrier being fastened in the target calibration position between a contact surface of the optical device and a contact surface of the cooling device.