Compact Vehicle Optical Module Standardized Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle lighting systems lack compact and standardized optical modules that can easily be assembled to provide different types of lights, such as high beams, low beams, daytime running lights, and parking lights, using common parts, which are often complex and specific to single light functions.

Innovation Solution

A compact optical module design featuring a diode light source with a standard support system that includes a reflector and lens, where the reflector has a perforated plate for easy assembly and interchangeable parts, allowing for various light types without requiring extensive reassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If optical modules are designed with specific elements assembled together using studs and semi-enveloping glass, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module is divided into distinct functional segments: a standardized support structure, interchangeable optical elements (lens, reflector), and mounting components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while simplifying assembly through modular integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of optical elements through standardized mounting interfaces. The same support can hold different lenses, reflectors, or LED assemblies, enabling one component to serve multiple functions across different lighting applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different LEDs with different characteristics are used in optical modules, then the lighting functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionalityVSAvoidcomponent variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module employs a universal holder design that can accommodate various LED types and configurations. The standardized mounting interface allows different LED characteristics (color, intensity, arrangement) to be integrated into the same basic structure without requiring different support designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED light source is extracted as a separate, interchangeable component from the optical module. This allows the LED to be selected and replaced independently based on lighting requirements, while the support structure, lens, and reflector remain standardized and unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If optical units are designed as specific assemblies for single light functions, then the lighting performance is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting performanceVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into independent functional components (light source, reflector, lens, housing) that can be manufactured separately and assembled through standardized interfaces. This maintains optimized lighting performance for each function while enabling simplified manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If compact optical modules with interchangeable parts are designed, then the ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterchangeabilityVSAvoidmodule structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal support structure with standardized mounting interfaces serves as the foundation for interchangeable optical elements. This universal base simplifies operation by allowing any optical element to be mounted using the same procedure, while the modular structure maintains manageability through clear functional separation.

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

Enables easy assembly and interchangeability of optical module parts, providing a range of lighting functions while maintaining a common support and light source holder, simplifying the assembly process and reducing component complexity.

Implementation Method 1

each module comprising a diode light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a reflector (5) associated with a light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3212992B1Compact optical module for vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3212992B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a compact optical module (1) for a vehicle, designed so as to be able to produce a plurality of different types of lights, comprising a reflector (5) associated with a light source, and comprising at least one LED and a lens (4) which differ according to the type of light, all assembled on a support (3), characterised in that the support (3) is identical for all types of light.