Vehicle Lighting Device With Single Motor And Endless Screw Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting devices with multiple rotating LED modules are bulky, expensive, and difficult to assemble, with limited motor control solutions that restrict module movement to a small angle due to space constraints within the headlamp housing.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting device design featuring a single motor to rotate multiple LED modules through an endless screw coupling and gearing system, allowing 360° rotation and easy assembly via the frontal inlet opening, with each module having its own axis and a shared support structure to minimize bulk and optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple rotating lighting modules are equipped with individual motors, then each module can be precisely controlled, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual motor controls into a single motor that rotates a common shaft. This single motor drives all lighting modules simultaneously through the shaft rotation, reducing the number of motors from multiple to one, thereby decreasing device bulk and cost while maintaining synchronized control of all modules
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor and common shaft serve multiple functions: they simultaneously control the rotation of all lighting modules, providing a universal control mechanism that replaces multiple specialized motors. This multi-functional approach reduces complexity while maintaining operational capability
2Device complexity
If a single motor controls all rotating modules, then device complexity is reduced, but assembly becomes difficult due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of assembling modules around a pre-installed motor from the front, the invention inverts the assembly sequence: the single motor is first installed in the rear portion of the housing, then the common shaft is attached to the motor shaft, and finally the lighting modules are mounted on the shaft. This reverse assembly approach facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the motor from the traditional front assembly area to the rear portion of the housing, utilizing unused space in a different dimension. This spatial reorganization allows the motor to be easily accessible for assembly while not interfering with the front inlet opening, thereby simplifying the assembly process
3Volume of stationary object
If rotation is limited to small angles, then space constraints are satisfied, but lighting functionality is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rotation capability where the common shaft and attached lighting modules can rotate through large angles (potentially 360 degrees) around the vertical axis. This dynamic rotation system allows the lighting modules to achieve various lighting functions including directional beams and panoramic lighting, significantly expanding functionality while maintaining compact housing dimensions
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
The solution enables cost-effective, reliable, and extensive rotation of multiple LED modules within a compact housing, overcoming the limitations of previous designs by allowing full-angle movement and simplifying assembly, while maintaining photometric performance.
Implementation Method 1
an endless screw coupling (21) between the shaft and the toothed gears (18) of all the rotating units (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Lighting device (1) for a vehicle including a plurality of rotating lighting modules (5) arranged within a cup-shaped housing body (2), each including a light source (6) held in a fixed position and one rotating unit (10) operatively associated to the light source and rotatable around a first axis, and one single first motor (8) to rotate all the rotating units simultaneously by means of one shaft (19) operatively associated with the motor and rotatable around its longitudinal symmetry axis, which is perpendicular to and radially offset from the first axes; wherein each rotating unit (10) includes one first toothed gear (18) rigid therewith and coaxial with the first axis; the shaft (19) being operationally associated with the first toothed gears (18) of all the rotating units via an endless screw coupling (21).