Vehicle Lighting Device With Optical Waveguide For Modular Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of light sources and optical devices in a single unit within motor vehicle lighting devices complicates the replacement of defective components, as the entire unit must be removed from the housing.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device design where the light source is rigidly connected to the housing and separated from the optical device via a flexible optical waveguide, allowing for easy dismantling and replacement of the light source, with the optical device being a self-contained module that can also be easily replaced, and incorporating a light intensity sensor for detecting defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the light source and optical device are integrated in one unit, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the entire unit must be removed to replace a defective light source
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is divided into separate functional modules: the light source unit and the optical device are disconnected and linked via an optical fiber cable. This segmentation allows the light source to be replaced independently without removing the optical device, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and repairability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the light source is rigidly connected to the housing, then the stability of the light source position is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the light source becomes harder to access and replace
Solution Approach 1:
An optical fiber cable acts as an intermediary between the light source and the optical device. This flexible connector transmits light while allowing the light source to be positioned stably in the housing yet remain accessible for replacement by disconnecting the optical fiber connection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical device is enclosed within the housing, then the protection of the optical device is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the optical device becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device is separated from the light source and connected via an optical fiber, allowing the optical device to remain enclosed in the housing for protection while the light source can be accessed externally for replacement by simply disconnecting the optical fiber connection.
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 easy access and replacement of the light source and optical device, enhances assembly and disassembly processes, and allows for precise adjustment and detection of malfunctions, improving maintenance efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical waveguide is also provided for guiding the light from the light source to the optical device
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an illumination apparatus for a motor vehicle (10), comprising a light source (2) consisting of a number of semiconductor diodes, and an optical device (5) for generating a predefined light distribution (6) from the light of the light source (2), said optical device being arranged in a housing (3). The illumination apparatus of the invention is characterized in that the light source (2) is rigidly connected to the housing (3) and in that at least one optical waveguide (4) is provided which guides the light of the light source (2) to the optical device (5).