Vehicle Lighting Module Reflector Decorative Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting modules require additional, costly decorative components made of plastic that need to be coated and painted, increasing manufacturing expenses and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A lighting module design where the reflector, used to focus light and define illuminated areas, also serves as a decorative element by protruding through a translucent cover, eliminating the need for separate decorative parts and allowing the reflector to function as both a light director and a visual ornament.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If additional decorative panels are added to enhance visual appearance, then aesthetic quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is designed to serve dual purposes: its functional role in directing light and its aesthetic role as a decorative element. By making the reflector visible through the translucent cover with strategically positioned viewing openings, the patent merges the previously separate functions of the reflector and decorative panel into a single integrated component, thereby reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector is transformed into a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs light direction and decorative functions. The viewing openings in the cover are positioned to allow the reflector's surface to be visible as a decorative feature, while the reflector continues to fulfill its primary function of directing light. This universal application of the reflector eliminates the need for separate decorative components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If separate decorative panels are used, then aesthetic quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to coating and painting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the decorative function with the reflector, eliminating the need for separate decorative panels that would require additional coating and painting processes. The reflector's surface, already coated for optical performance, serves as the decorative element, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and costs associated with multiple coated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector is designed to fulfill both aesthetic and functional roles simultaneously. Its coated surface provides both the necessary optical properties for light reflection and the desired decorative appearance, eliminating the need for separate decorative panels and their associated manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If the reflector is made visible through the cover, then aesthetic quality is improved, but the cover design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidcover structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed with segmented viewing openings that are strategically positioned to reveal the reflector's surface. This segmentation allows the cover to maintain its protective and structural functions while creating controlled visibility zones that highlight the reflector's aesthetic qualities. The openings are integrated into the cover's overall design, maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the reflector serves as both functional and decorative element, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidcoating quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 manufacturing, reduces costs by using a single coated component for both functionality and aesthetics, while providing a high-quality optical appearance and user-friendly switch element identification.

Implementation Method 1

The reflector is designed to focus the light emitted by the illuminant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The cover is advantageously translucent, so that the light generated by the illuminant can pass through the cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranslucency:

Data Source

PatentEP3414129B1Lighting module of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.01.26 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting module (1) of a vehicle (10), comprising a lighting means (2) for emitting light, a reflector (3) for bundling the light emitted by the lighting means (2), and a cover (4) for covering the lighting means (2) and the reflector (3). At least one visible part (6) of the reflector (3) projects through at least one viewing opening (5) of the covers (4).