Vehicle Lighting Device Independent Guide Means Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting devices for vehicles face challenges in precise positioning and orientation of LEDs relative to light guides, leading to air gaps and difficulties in replacing components during the service life, especially affecting RGB diodes' color uniformity and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with independent guide means for the light guide and light emission module, allowing for precise centring and alignment, simplifying assembly by restricting degrees of freedom and minimizing air gaps, and enabling easy replacement of components through a clip system and linear movement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the light guide and PCB are joined using multiple projections and through-holes as disclosed in EP 2 775 197, then the relative positioning is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and the PCB is not easily replaceable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the light guide assembly from the PCB assembly, allowing independent positioning and replacement. The light guide is positioned relative to the housing using projections, while the PCB is mounted separately on the housing, eliminating the need for complex multi-component joining and through-holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the mask component from the assembly path. Instead of requiring the mask to be present during PCB installation, the PCB is directly mounted on the housing, simplifying the assembly process and enabling easy PCB replacement without handling the light guide or mask.
2Manufacturing precision
If two projections with through-holes are used for centring the light emitter as disclosed in EP 2 775 197, then positioning is achieved, but precise adjustment is prevented due to high tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses snap-fit connections that allow for dynamic adjustment during assembly. The projections engage with corresponding recesses in a controlled manner, enabling precise positioning through elastic deformation and snap-in action rather than rigid fixed tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the through-hole projection system with a snap-fit connection system using elastic projections. This mechanical substitution allows for more precise positioning control through the elastic properties of the material rather than relying on tight mechanical tolerances of through-holes.
3Reliability
If the mask and light guide must be removed to access the PCB as disclosed in EP 2 775 197, then component protection is maintained, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the assembly into independent modules: the light guide assembly (with mask) and the PCB assembly. Both are separately mounted on the housing with independent attachment mechanisms, allowing the PCB to be replaced without disturbing the light guide or mask components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, mounting positions for both the light guide assembly and PCB, and integration of electrical connections. This universal mounting platform enables easy component replacement while maintaining overall assembly integrity and protection.
4Reliability
If an additional mask component is used to pressurize and package the assembly as disclosed in EP 2 775 197, then component packaging is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the packaging function into the existing housing structure. The housing itself provides the enclosing and protective function previously requiring a separate mask component, eliminating unnecessary parts while maintaining component protection and assembly integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting device (1) for a vehicle, and related attachment method, in which the lighting device (1) comprises a housing (2), at least one light emission module (3) and at least one light guide (4) that transmits light emitted by the at least one light emission module (3), in which the housing (2) has at least one first seat (21) and at least one second seat (22), in which the lighting device (1) comprises at least one first guide means (6) that positions the at least one light guide (4) in the at least one first seat (21), and at least one second guide means (7) that positions the at least one light emission module (3) in the at least one second seat (22), such as to simplify assembly, and that is in turn detachable.