Vehicle Lighting Module Sliding Positioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for replacing LED light sources in vehicle headlights and signaling devices are cumbersome, often requiring specialized tools and workshops due to the unique architecture of LEDs on cooling radiators, leading to misalignment of the beam and increased maintenance complexity.

Innovation Solution

A lighting and/or signaling device with sliding positioning means that align with the optical axis, allowing for easy translation-based replacement of the module without disturbing the beam, featuring rapid positioning mechanisms integrated into the radiator and support structure, enabling easy access and replacement of LED modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LED light sources are integrated into a fixed housing with cooling radiator, then the lifespan and reliability are improved, but the ease of replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED lifespanVSAvoidLED replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is divided into a fixed housing and a removable module containing the LED light source and cooling radiator. This segmentation allows the LED assembly to be replaced as a complete unit, maintaining reliability while enabling easy replacement without specialized tools or workshops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LED light source and cooling radiator are extracted from the fixed housing and placed in a separate removable module. This extraction enables the module to be easily removed and replaced from outside the vehicle, solving the contradiction between fixed integration for reliability and ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the light source is made removable for easy replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the beam alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLight source replacement easeVSAvoidBeam alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into a fixed housing with precise optical elements and a removable module with standardized positioning features, the patent maintains beam alignment precision while enabling easy replacement. The module carries positioning elements that ensure correct optical alignment upon reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning elements act as intermediaries between the removable module and the fixed housing, ensuring precise beam alignment during replacement. These elements mediate the connection to maintain optical precision without requiring complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the LED module is accessed from outside the device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to light sourceVSAvoidHousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented with a removable cover or access panel that provides external access to the LED module. This segmentation allows the module to be accessed and replaced from outside the device without complex disassembly, balancing ease of operation with manageable structural complexity.

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

Facilitates the replacement of LED light sources without affecting the lighting or signaling beam quality, allowing for the upgrade to newer, more efficient models, reducing costs through standardization and simplifying maintenance processes.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling radiator for the light source(s)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a cooling radiator for the light source(s)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a reflector of the parabolic type being arranged in the housing opposite the light source so as to reflect the rays emitted by the source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2574501B1Lighting and/or signalling device for vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2574501B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2574501B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2574501B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The module (8) has a light source e.g. LED, emitting light rays. An elliptic reflector (9) and a parabolic reflector (11) reflect the emitted light rays to a lighting and/or signaling beam along an optical axis of the module. A positioning unit positions the module on a support part (10) for engagement of the module with the support part until a final position is reached on the support part by translational movement of the module. The positioning unit is laterally positioned with respect to the module. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a support part for a lighting and/or signaling module of a vehicle (2) an assembly comprising a lighting and/or signaling module and a support part.