Motor Vehicle Lighting Assembly with Pre-positioned Optical Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of light devices for motor vehicles, particularly those using electroluminescent diodes, is complex and time-consuming due to the need for precise positioning of electronic cards relative to optical modules, which is not efficiently addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A light device design that includes pre-positioning means for the optical module, electrical organ, and thermal dissipator using complementary forms and interlocking mechanisms, allowing for easy assembly and precise positioning in X, Y, and Z directions, with a common support and thermal dissipator facilitating simultaneous assembly of multiple elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional assembly methods are used for light devices with electroluminescent diodes, then precise positioning of electronic cards relative to optical modules can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the optical module on the support with play in X, Y and Z directions before final assembly. The electrical organ is pre-mounted on the thermal dissipator, and positioning elements are pre-installed on both the support and thermal dissipator. This preliminary arrangement of components with intentional play allows for easier final assembly while maintaining precise relative positioning between electronic cards and optical modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional assembly methods are used for light devices with electroluminescent diodes, then precise positioning of electronic cards relative to optical modules can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the optical module on the support with play in X, Y and Z directions before final assembly. The electrical organ is pre-mounted on the thermal dissipator, and positioning elements are pre-installed on both the support and thermal dissipator. This preliminary arrangement of components with intentional play allows for easier final assembly while maintaining precise relative positioning between electronic cards and optical modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light device into distinct modular components: a support carrying the optical module, a thermal dissipator carrying the electrical organ, and positioning elements distributed between them. This segmentation allows each component to be prepared independently with pre-installed positioning elements, enabling parallel preparation and faster final assembly while maintaining precise relative positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple components are assembled separately to ensure precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the number of assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative positioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the positioning functions into a unified system of positioning elements distributed between the support and thermal dissipator. The first positioning elements on the support and second positioning elements on the thermal dissipator work together as an integrated system to define relative positioning in X, Y and Z directions. This merging allows multiple positioning functions to be achieved through coordinated interaction of elements rather than separate assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the optical module on the support with play in X, Y and Z directions before final assembly. The electrical organ is pre-mounted on the thermal dissipator, and positioning elements are pre-installed on both the support and thermal dissipator. This preliminary arrangement of components with intentional play allows for easier final assembly while maintaining precise relative positioning between electronic cards and optical modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simplifies the assembly process by enabling pre-positioning and precise alignment of optical and electrical components, reducing the number of assembly steps while maintaining the quality of lighting, and allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical organ, in particular an electronic card bearing a light source, united with a thermal dissipator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3161373B1Lighting system for a motor vehicle having improved assembly means
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3161373B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3161373B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3161373B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electrical member (36, 38, 40; 30, 32, 34) which has for example a light source and is rigidly connected to a heat sink (42), and at least one optical module (16, 18, 20) associated with the electrical member (36, 38, 40; 30, 32, 34), the optical module (16, 18, 20) being supported by a support (22). The lighting device (10) comprises first means (50, 52, 54, 56) for positioning the optical module (16, 18, 20) on the support (22), said positioning being achieved with clearances, referred to as pre-positioning clearances, in first X, second Y and third Z directions, which are substantially perpendicular to each other, between the optical module (16, 18, 20) and the support (22), second means (58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80) for positioning the electrical member (36, 38, 40; 30, 32, 34) on the optical module in the X and Y directions, and third means (82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92) for positioning the heat sink on the support (22) in the Z direction.