Repairable Automotive Lighting System Design Solutions
9 patents in this list
Updated:
Automotive lighting systems are crucial for safety and visibility, yet they often pose repair challenges. Traditional designs can be complex and costly to fix, leading to increased downtime and frustration. As vehicles become more advanced, the demand for easily repairable lighting solutions has grown, highlighting the need for systems that are both efficient and user-friendly.
Professionals in the automotive field face obstacles such as intricate assemblies and non-modular components that hinder quick repairs. The inability to easily access and replace faulty parts can lead to prolonged vehicle off-road time and higher maintenance costs. Addressing these issues requires a focus on accessibility and modularity, allowing for straightforward repairs without specialized tools or extensive labor.
This webpage explores a range of solutions that emphasize modularity and ease of access, such as rotatable casings, detachable modules, and front-accessible retainers. These innovations aim to streamline the repair process, reduce downtime, and enhance the overall efficiency of automotive lighting systems. By implementing these strategies, professionals can achieve more reliable and maintainable lighting setups in their vehicles.
1. Luminous Vehicle Module with Rotatable Casing and Hook Attachment System
VALEO VISION, 2022
A luminous module for vehicles that allows easy installation and removal without requiring tools. The module has a rotatable open casing with hooks that attach to the vehicle's components. The casing has grooves for positioning an optical element like a light guide. The module can rotate and hook onto the vehicle's casing to secure it. This eliminates the need for screws and allows tool-less access for replacement. The casing hooks onto specific brackets on the vehicle's optical element or outer lens holder.
2. Vehicle Headlight Assembly with Modular Frame and Positioners for Component Replacement
HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2021
This is a vehicle headlight assembly with an improved modular design for easier serviceability and customization. The assembly has a light source, optical system, cover plate, frame, and carrier in that order. The frame has positioners to precisely locate and secure the components. This allows the light source, optics, and cover to be easily replaced without disassembling the entire headlight unit.
3. Ejectable Headlight System with Pin-Engaging Ejector and Release Arm Mechanism
James M. Aparo, 2021
Ejectable headlight system for easy and tool-less replacement of headlight bulbs from the front of a vehicle. The system uses an ejector device with pins that engage the bulb pins. A release arm locks the bulb in place. Pulling the release arm disengages the pins and allows the bulb to slide out the front. This enables quick bulb changes without opening the hood or removing parts. The ejector base houses the electrical connector. The bulbs have modified pins to match. The system can use visible, infrared, or UV bulbs. It allows bulb replacement without disassembling the headlight housing.
4. Headlamp Assembly with Separable and Elastic Connections Featuring Predetermined Breaking Points
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, 2021
Headlamp assembly and connections to vehicle body that minimize repair costs in low-speed collisions without sacrificing pedestrian protection. The headlamp housing has separable connecting portions to adjoining body parts like the fender and bumper. Some connections have predetermined breaking points to isolate damage. Others are elastic or latching to detach non-destructively. This protects the high-value headlamp while allowing the fender to deform and the body to yield in a collision.
5. Detachable LED Module with Integrated Connectors for Automated Luminaire Systems
Robe Lighting s.r.o., 2021
Removable LED module for automated luminaires that allows easy replacement and comparison of LEDs without disassembling the entire luminaire. The module has a separate circuit board with connectors for power and data, allowing it to be electrically and mechanically detached from the luminaire. This enables swapping just the LED module instead of the entire optical system. It also provides a way to measure and store LED output characteristics for comparison between modules.
6. Vehicle Lighting Units with Front-Accessible Resilient Protruding Retainers
Nissan North America, Inc., 2020
Vehicle lighting units that can be easily connected and removed from the front of the vehicle without needing to access the underside or rear. The lighting units have protruding retainers that extend rearward and insert into openings in the vehicle body. The retainers are made of resilient material that deflects during installation and removal. This allows the lighting unit to be installed and removed from the front of the vehicle instead of underneath or behind the bumper. It simplifies installation, improves quality, and reduces cost compared to traditional bolts. The deflecting retainers also create a channel between the lighting unit and the body for airflow.
7. LED Vehicle Accessory with Sealed Aluminum Body and Modular Potted Circuit Board Design
Putco, Inc., 2020
LED lighted vehicle accessory with improved durability, water resistance, repairability, and reduced depth compared to existing LED accessories. The design features a sealed aluminum body with lenses potted in place, a circuit board potted in the body, and a rear cover. The potting compounds seal against water and contaminants, protect electronics, and reduce vibration noise. The modular design allows easy replacement of faulty circuit boards without disassembling the entire accessory.
8. Vehicle Lighting Module with Removable Carrier and Translational Locking Mechanism
VALEO VISION, 2020
Lighting module for vehicles that enables easy replacement of failed light sources without replacing the entire module. The module has a removable carrier that holds the optical components. The carrier can be translated to lock or unlock positions. In the locked position, the light source is secured in the module while the carrier is connected to the optical components. This allows removing just the light source for replacement. The carrier locking mechanism prevents accidental removal of the optical components.
9. Vehicle Light Assembly with Detachable Base Plate and Replaceable LED Lamps
Stanley Electric Co., Ltd., 2010
A vehicle light with replaceable LED lamps that allows easy lamp replacement without replacing the entire light assembly. The light has multiple integrated LED projection units inside a housing. A detachable base plate attaches to the housing rear. The replaceable LED lamps mount on the base plate. An elastic connector hermetically seals the housing and base. This allows individual LED lamp replacement by removing the base plate without disassembling the whole light.
Due to requiring less maintenance and making repairs easier, these innovative techniques for easily repairable vehicle lighting systems will help both owners and drivers. These technologies have the ability to enhance road visibility and driving safety simultaneously.