Vehicle Lighting Device Flange Support Unit Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

When the external dimension of the mounting unit in vehicle lighting devices is set to be small, the sealing member's position becomes unstable, leading to variations in the inclination of the center axis of the lighting device due to changes in the thickness of the elastic sealing material, resulting in potential misalignment and reduced design quality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a support unit on the flange with a shorter distance from the mounting unit to its apex, which allows for elastic deformation of the sealing member and stable contact with the housing, and a positioning unit to maintain the sealing member's coaxial alignment, even when using a larger sealing member, thereby stabilizing the center axis inclination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the external dimension of the mounting unit is set to be small, then the design quality and appearance of the lighting tool is improved, but the position of the sealing member becomes unstable and the inclination of the center axis varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign qualityVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member is designed with non-uniform thickness, having a first thickness in a first region and a second thickness different from the first thickness in a second region. This local variation in thickness compensates for the reduced mounting unit dimension, maintaining stable positioning and preventing inclination of the center axis while preserving the improved design quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The thickness parameter of the sealing member is varied across different regions rather than being uniform. By changing the thickness parameter locally, the sealing member maintains its stabilizing function even when the overall mounting unit dimension is reduced, thus preventing center axis inclination while achieving compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a sealing member with a large external dimension is used, then the position stability is improved, but a large gap occurs between the sealing member and the side face of the mounting unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidgap size
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member features non-uniform thickness distribution, with thicker regions providing stable positioning and thinner regions reducing gaps with the mounting unit side face. This local quality variation allows the sealing member to maintain position stability without creating large unwanted gaps, achieving both stability and proper fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the sealing member thickness changes, then the inclination of the flange and center axis is affected, but maintaining uniform thickness results in unstable positioning when mounting unit is small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidinclination precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The thickness parameter of the sealing member is deliberately varied across different regions to compensate for positioning instability. By changing the thickness parameter locally rather than uniformly, the sealing member maintains stable positioning while preventing inclination of the flange and center axis, achieving both positioning stability and inclination precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration effectively suppresses the inclination of the center axis and maintains design aesthetics by ensuring the sealing member's stability and alignment, even with reduced mounting unit dimensions, preventing misalignment and enhancing the overall appearance and functionality of the lighting device.

Implementation Method 1

a change in thickness of the sealing member which is formed of an elastic material has a remarkable influence on an inclination of the flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3444526B1Lighting device for vehicles and lighting tool for vehicles
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORP
  • EP3444526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3444526B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3444526B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a lighting device for vehicles (1) includes a socket (10) including a flange (13), and a mounting unit (11) which is provided on one face (13b) of the flange (13); a light emitting unit (20) which is provided at an end portion of the mounting unit (11) on a side opposite to a side of the flange (13), and includes a light emitting element (22); and at least one support unit (13c) which protrudes from a face (13b) of the flange (13) on which the mounting unit (11) is provided.