Mechanical door adjustment

Abstract

An alignment system may include a track connected to a first plate and extending through a second plate. The alignment system may include a first clamping mechanism secured to the second plate, the first clamping mechanism configured to slide along the track between a plurality of positions to vary a distance between the first plate and the second plate, the first clamping mechanism movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, the first clamping mechanism is coupled to the rail to secure the first clamping mechanism to the rail in one of a plurality of positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to mechanical door adjustment, and more particularly to systems and methods for adjusting the position of a body panel of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the context of vehicles, body panels and alignment issues are well known. Therefore, when manufacturing a vehicle, adjustments can be made to better align the various parts. However, these methods are often costly and have limited success. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism for adjusting a position of a first plate relative to a second plate, the alignment mechanism comprising: a track connected to the first plate and extending through the second plate; and a first clamping mechanism secured to the second plate, the first clamping mechanism being configured to slide along the track between a plurality of positions to change a distance between the first plate and the second plate, the first clamping mechanism being movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to secure the first clamping mechanism to the track in one of a plurality of positions.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism that also includes a spring configured to bias the second plate relative to the first plate.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism wherein the first panel and the second panel are door panels.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism in which the track has a cylindrical shape.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism that also includes a second clamp configured to fix a position of the track relative to the first plate.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism in which a track is adjustable in a Y-axis direction; and a second plate is adjustable on the track in an X-axis direction.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism in which a second clamp fixes the Y-axis position of the track and shifts the X-axis position of the track.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism in which the first clamping mechanism includes a cam.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism for adjusting a position of a first plate relative to a second plate, the alignment mechanism comprising: a track connected to the first plate and configured to extend through the second plate; a first clamping mechanism connected to the second plate and configured to slide along the track to change an X-axis distance between the first plate and the second plate, the first clamping mechanism being movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to fix the X-axis position of the first plate relative to the second plate; and a second clamping mechanism being movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to fix the Y-axis position of the first plate relative to the second plate and to move the X-axis position of the first plate.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism that also includes a spring configured to bias the second plate relative to the first plate.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism in which the track has a cylindrical shape.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism wherein a second plate includes a body and a fastener configured to move in a Y direction relative to the body; wherein the second clamping mechanism includes a bolt configured to pass through a track and engage the fastener; and wherein the bolt is tightened when the second clamping mechanism is in a locked position.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism wherein the fastener is a T-nut.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an alignment mechanism in which the first clamping mechanism includes a cam.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method for adjusting a position of a first plate relative to a second plate, the method comprising: moving the first plate in an X-axis direction relative to the second plate; fixing the X position of the first plate relative to the second plate at a first X position; moving the first plate in a Y-axis direction relative to the second plate; and fixing the Y position of the first plate relative to the second plate at the first Y position, wherein fixing the Y position also moves the first plate in the X-axis direction to the second X position.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method that also includes biasing the first plate in an X-direction.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method that also includes aligning the first plate with a third plate.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein moving a first plate in an X-axis direction includes sliding the first plate on a track on a second plate.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein fixing the X position of the first plate at the first X position includes tightening a cam.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein fixing the Y position of the first plate at the first Y position includes tightening a screw.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a fixed Y position causes a first plate to move 0.1-5.0 mm in an X-axis direction to a second X position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a representation of the interior of the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 2A Pictured Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a view of a first embodiment of an alignment mechanism hidden behind a panel on the interior of a vehicle.

[0027] Figure 2B Illustration of an alternative position Figure 2A FIG. 1 is a view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3A Illustrated is a view of a second embodiment of an alignment mechanism.

[0029] Figure 3B Pictured Figure 3A A more detailed view of the second embodiment in FIG.

[0030] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the vehicle taken through the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4A Illustrated is a view of an alignment mechanism for alignment along the Y-axis.

[0032] Figure 4B Pictured Figure 4A View of the alignment mechanism in an alternative position.

[0033] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of employing the alignment mechanism disclosed herein.

[0034] Figure 6 Illustrated is a view of one embodiment of an alignment mechanism.

[0035] Figure 7 Pictured Figure 6 View of the alignment mechanism in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In general, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to mechanical alignment and locking systems. The alignment systems disclosed herein have general applicability across a wide range of products and industries, including vehicles, robotics, manufacturing, aerospace, and industrial. For ease of description, the alignment systems will be described in the context of a vehicle. However, the locking mechanisms disclosed herein are not limited to vehicles and are applicable to a wide range of industries.

[0037] Traditional methods of alignment and locking mechanisms rely on methods such as ratchet mechanisms and involve significant effort. Conventional alignment mechanisms result in inadequate component alignment, unsecured retention, and incremental versus infinite adjustment. These shortcomings increase time, cost, and problems during manufacturing and use.

[0038] To address some of the deficiencies associated with conventional alignment and locking systems, certain embodiments described herein provide an alignment and locking system with infinite adjustment, spring-biased alignment, and / or a one-step locking step during manufacturing.

[0039] Figure 1 1 is a representation of the interior of a vehicle 100, which includes a first door panel 102, a second door panel 104, a first instrument panel 112, and a second instrument panel 114. The first door panel 102 and the second door panel 104 may be complete door panels, parts of door panels, or any interior vehicle components. The first instrument panel 112 and the second instrument panel 114 may be complete instrument panels, parts of instrument panels, or any interior vehicle components.

[0040] The present invention relates to the alignment of at least two interior vehicle components. In this embodiment, the components being aligned are a first door panel 102 and a first instrument panel 112. The first door panel 102 and the first instrument panel 112 meet at a first meeting point 120. At the first meeting point 120, the first door panel 102 and the first instrument panel 112 are aligned along both the X-axis indicated by arrow 140 and the Y-axis indicated by arrow 150. The X-axis 140 is substantially aligned with the left-right direction from the passenger's perspective. The Y-axis 150 is substantially aligned with the up-down direction from the passenger's perspective.

[0041] The first embodiment of the alignment mechanism 200 allows the first door panel 102 to be aligned and locked in a certain position. The first embodiment 200 is located behind the first sub-door panel 106.

[0042] Figure 2A Pictured Figure 110. A view of a first embodiment of an alignment mechanism 200 hidden behind a first sub-door panel 106 within the interior of a vehicle. The first embodiment of the alignment mechanism 200 includes a horizontal track 202 and a clamping mechanism 220. The horizontal track 202 can be coupled to the second door panel 104. The position of the horizontal track 202 can be fixed relative to the second door panel 104. The horizontal track 202 can also be part of the second door panel 104 or connected to the second door panel 104 in any way, such as through an intermediate component. The horizontal track 202 can be a cylinder as in this embodiment, or it can be an alternative shape, such as a square tube, a rectangular tube, a beam, or any suitable shape that allows the components to slide relative to each other. The clamping mechanism 220 can be coupled to the first door panel 102. The position of the clamping mechanism 220 can be fixed relative to the first door panel 102. In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism 220 includes a locking rod 222, a locking arm 224, a first engagement interface 226, and a second engagement interface 228 ( Figure 2B The first and second joint interfaces 226, 228 may be connected to the first door panel 102, another interior door component, or the door itself. The first and second joint interfaces 226, 228 may be the same components as the first door panel 102 or different components.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the clamping mechanism 220 is configured to clamp the horizontal rail 202 . Figure 2A The first door panel 102 in a first position and the clamping mechanism 220 in an unlocked state are shown. In certain embodiments, the locking rod 222 and the locking arm 224 work together to apply a force to the first joint interface 226 and / or the second joint interface 228. The force can be applied to the first joint interface 226 or the second joint interface 228 or both. When the force is applied to the first joint interface 226 and the second joint interface 228, the clamping mechanism 220 engages the horizontal track 202 to lock the position of the first door panel 102. With respect to the X-axis, the position of the first door panel 102 is locked. In this embodiment, the first door panel 102 is locked relative to the second door panel 104, which is directly or indirectly locked to the vehicle door. The first embodiment of the alignment mechanism 200 can lock the first door panel 102 relative to other components on the door, the door itself, the door hinge, the vehicle, and / or other components of the vehicle.

[0044] Figure 2B The first door panel 102 is shown in the second position and the clamping mechanism 220 is shown in the unlocked state. The first position and the second position differ in the position of the first door panel 102 with respect to the X-axis. In the second position, the first door panel 102 is displaced to the left relative to the horizontal track 202 and, therefore, is also displaced to the left relative to the second door panel 104.

[0045] Figure 3AA second embodiment of an alignment mechanism 300 is shown. The second embodiment of the alignment mechanism 300 includes a horizontal track 302 and a clamping mechanism 320. The horizontal track 302 can be coupled to the second door panel 104. The horizontal track 302 can also be part of the second door panel 104 or connected to the second door panel 104 in any manner, such as through an intermediate component. The horizontal track 302 can also be directly connected to the vehicle door. The clamping mechanism 320 is connected to the first door panel 102. The clamping mechanism 320 can be part of the first door panel 102, and can be directly or indirectly connected to the first door panel 102.

[0046] Figure 3B Shown Figure 3A 300 . In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 320 includes an upper portion 340 and a lower portion 360 . The upper portion 340 and the lower portion 360 can be connected via a hinge 322 . The hinge 322 can be a flex hinge, a pivot hinge, a single-piece hinge, a living hinge, or a multi-piece hinge. The hinge 322 allows the upper portion 340 and the lower portion 360 to be joined together in a pivoting motion to clamp the horizontal rail 302 .

[0047] The upper portion 340 may include an upper horizontal rail interface portion 342. The shape of the upper horizontal rail interface portion 342 may match the shape of the horizontal rail 302. In this case, the upper horizontal interface portion 342 is shaped like a column to accommodate the column. The upper portion 340 may also include an upper connector portion 344. The upper connector portion 344 is configured to connect the clamping mechanism 320 to the first door panel 102.

[0048] The lower portion 360 may include a lower horizontal rail interface portion 362. The shape of the lower horizontal interface portion 362 may match the shape of the horizontal rail 302. In this case, the lower horizontal interface portion 362 is shaped as a column to accommodate a column.

[0049] The clamping mechanism 320 can also include a lock 330. The lock 330 can allow the lower portion 360 to engage with the upper portion 340. The lock 330 can also be configured to generate a compressive force on the horizontal rail 302 using an upper horizontal interface portion 342 and a lower horizontal interface portion 362. The lock 330 can include a clip 332. The clip 332 can be part of the lower portion 360, as shown in the present embodiment, or part of the upper portion 340. The lock 330 can include a clip receiving feature 334. The clip receiving feature 334 can be part of the upper portion 340, as shown in the present embodiment, or part of the lower portion 360.

[0050] Figure 3Cis a cross-sectional view of the interior of a vehicle taken through the second embodiment of the alignment mechanism 300. The second embodiment of the alignment mechanism 300 may further include a spring 380. In certain embodiments, the spring 380 may be used to bias the first door panel 102 away from the door, inward, and toward the first instrument panel 112 in the X-axis direction. The force of the spring 380 allows the first door panel 102 to move toward the first instrument panel 112. When the vehicle door is closed and the second embodiment of the alignment mechanism 300 is in the unlocked state, the first door panel 102 will move toward the first instrument panel 112 until the two make contact. This contact does not need to be direct, as shims may be used during assembly. At this point, the first door panel 102 will be properly aligned with the first instrument panel 112. Proper alignment can be a direct, flush connection between the first door panel 102 and the first instrument panel 112. After proper alignment is achieved, the clamping mechanism 320 may be locked to lock the second embodiment of the alignment mechanism 300 and, thereby, the position of the first door panel 102.

[0051] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first door panel 102 is shown as being movable relative to the second door panel 104 in the Y-axis direction. The alignment mechanisms 200, 300 disclosed herein may also include features and components for aligning the first door panel 102 with the first instrument panel 112 with respect to the Y-axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first door panel 102 is movable relative to the second door panel 104 due to at least one oversized slot 400. The oversized slot 400 allows the first door panel 102 to move relative to the second door panel 104. Figure 4B The first door panel 102 is shown relative to its Figure 4A The position in the middle is at the top or higher.

[0052] Figure 5 The method of using the alignment mechanism 200, 300 disclosed herein is illustrated. Prior to step 500, the method may include a number of steps, such as installing other components, aligning other components, locking other components in an aligned position, or closing the vehicle door. The method may include, for example, Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe method aligns and locks the first door panel 102 on the Y-axis. Step 500 includes applying a spring force to the first door panel 102 so that it is biased toward the first instrument panel 112. The spring 380 previously disclosed can apply the spring force to the first door panel 102. Step 502 includes using the spring force to move the first door panel 102 toward the first instrument panel 112. Due to the spring force, the first door panel 102 can move toward the first instrument panel 112. Step 504 includes aligning the first door panel 102 with the first instrument panel 112. Aligning the first door panel 102 with the first instrument panel 112 can include contacting the first door panel 102 with the first instrument panel 112. After establishing the alignment, the method moves to step 506. At step 506, the alignment mechanism 200, 300 is locked by locking the first door panel 102 in place. At least a portion of the alignment mechanism 200, 300 is coupled to the first door panel 102. Therefore, when the alignment mechanism 200, 300 is locked, the first door panel 102 is also inherently locked in place. It should be noted that this may only be related to its X-axis position.

[0053] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of the alignment mechanism 300 is illustrated. The alignment mechanism 300 includes a horizontal track 302 and a clamping mechanism 320, which may be referred to as a first clamping mechanism 320. The horizontal track 302 may also be referred to as a sleeve. The clamping mechanism 320 may include a cam 324. The horizontal track 302 may be coupled to the second door panel 104 via a bolt 304. The horizontal track 302 may also be directly connected to the vehicle door via the bolt 304. The clamping mechanism 320 is connected to the first door panel 102. The clamping mechanism 320 may also be secured to the first door panel 102 via a cam recess 130. The cam recess 130 may include a first wall 132 and a second wall 134 that together constrain the cam 324 in the x-axis direction, as indicated by arrow 140. The second door panel 104 may include a T-nut 116. The T-nut 116 may slide up and down relative to the body 118 of the second door panel 104 (as indicated by arrow 150 on the y-axis).

[0054] The bolt 304 passes through the horizontal track 302 and secures itself to the T-nut 116. When the bolt 304 is tightened, the second door panel 104 is compressed against the horizontal track 302. The horizontal track 302 or the second door panel 104 may also include a compression tab 306. The compression tab 306 may be connected to or part of the horizontal track 302. When the bolt 304 is tightened, the distance between the head of the bolt 304 and the T-nut 116 decreases, causing the second door panel 104, the compression tab 306, and the bolt 304 to be compressed between the T-nut 116 and the head of the bolt 304.

[0055] The first door panel 102 can be secured to the horizontal track 302 via the cam 324. After securing the first door panel 102 to the horizontal track 302 to lock the X-axis position of the first door panel 102 relative to the second door panel 104, the bolt 304 can be securely locked in the Y-axis position. When the bolt 304 is tightened, it compresses and the compression tab 306 also compresses. When the compression tab 306 is compressed, the X-axis position of the first door panel 102 shifts a certain distance. In some embodiments, this shift can be between 1-5 mm. This shift in the X-axis position of the first door panel 102 relative to the second door panel 104 allows a small gap to form between the first door panel 102 and the first instrument panel 112. A small gap of 1-5 mm between the panels (i.e., the first door panel 102 and the first instrument panel 112) is beneficial because it reduces friction and wear on the components. This compression of the compression tab 306 results in repeatable displacement of the first door panel 102 relative to the second door panel 104 , and therefore, repeatable movement of the first door panel 102 relative to the first fascia 112 when the door is closed.

[0056] Figure 7 An alternative embodiment of an alignment mechanism 300 is illustrated. The alignment mechanism 300 includes a horizontal track 302 and a clamping mechanism 320. The clamping mechanism 320 may include a cam 324. Figure 7 The cam 324 is shown in a first position 326 and a second position 328. When the cam 324 is in the first position 326, the cam 324 can slide along the horizontal track 302, thereby allowing X-axis adjustment of the first door panel 102 relative to the second door panel 104. When the cam 324 is in the second position 328, the cam interacts with the third wall 136 of the first door panel 102. In the second position 328 (when the cam 324 is rotated downward), the cam 324 presses against the third wall 136, causing the cam 324 to press against the horizontal track 302. The pressing of the cam 324 against the horizontal track 302 can lock the X-axis position of the first door panel 102 relative to the horizontal track 302 and, in turn, the second door panel 104. When the bolt 304 is tightened, the horizontal track 302 can be displaced by 1-5 mm in the X-axis direction, and thus, the first door panel 102 can be displaced by 1-15 mm in the X-axis direction relative to the second door panel 104. This may leave a gap of 1-5 mm between the first door panel 102 and another component of the vehicle, such as the first instrument panel 112 .

[0057] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed or to the specific field of use. Therefore, it is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications of the present disclosure (whether explicitly described herein or implied) are possible in light of the present disclosure. Having thus described the embodiments of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0058] In the foregoing description, the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments disclosed herein may be modified or implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this description should be considered illustrative and is intended to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the various embodiments of the disclosed glove box actuation component. It should be understood that the disclosed forms shown and described herein are to be considered representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes, or steps may be substituted for those representatively shown and described herein. In addition, certain features of the present disclosure may be used independently of the use of other features, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of the description of this disclosure. Expressions such as "including," "comprising," "incorporating," "consisting of," "having," "is," etc., used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., to allow for the presence of items, components, or elements that are not explicitly described. References to the singular should also be interpreted as relating to the plural.

[0059] In addition, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to have illustrative and explanatory meanings and should never be interpreted as limitations on the present disclosure. All incorporated references (e.g., attach, adhere, couple, connect, etc.) are only used to help readers understand the present disclosure, and will not cause limitations, particularly the position, orientation or use limitations of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, incorporated references (if any) should be interpreted broadly. In addition, this incorporated reference does not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other. In addition, all numerical terms (such as, but not limited to, "first," "second," "third," "primary," "secondary," "primary" or any other common and / or numerical terms) also should only be considered as identifiers, to help readers understand the various elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and will not produce any limitations, particularly about the order or preference of any element, embodiment, variation and / or modification relative to another element, embodiment, variation and / or modification.

[0060] It will also be understood that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings / diagrams may also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or in some cases even removed or rendered inoperable, if useful depending on the particular application.

Claims

1. An alignment mechanism for adjusting a position of a first plate relative to a second plate, the alignment mechanism comprising: a track connected to the first plate and extending through the second plate; as well as a first clamping mechanism secured to the second plate, the first clamping mechanism being configured to slide along the track between a plurality of positions to vary a distance between the first plate and the second plate, the first clamping mechanism being movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to secure the first clamping mechanism to the track in one of the plurality of positions. 2 . The alignment mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a spring configured to bias the second plate relative to the first plate.

3. The alignment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate are door panels. The alignment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the track has a cylindrical shape. 5 . The alignment mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a second clamp configured to fix a position of the track relative to the first plate.

6. The alignment mechanism of claim 5, wherein the track is adjustable in the Y-axis direction; and The second plate is adjustable on the rail in the X-axis direction.

7. The alignment mechanism of claim 6, wherein the second fixture fixes the Y-axis position of the track and shifts the X-axis position of the track.

8. The alignment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first clamping mechanism comprises a cam.

9. An alignment mechanism for adjusting a position of a first plate relative to a second plate, the alignment mechanism comprising: a track connected to the first plate and configured to extend through the second plate; a first clamping mechanism connected to the second plate and configured to slide along the track to change an X-axis distance between the first plate and the second plate, the first clamping mechanism being movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to fix the X-axis position of the first plate relative to the second plate; and The second clamping mechanism is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to fix the Y-axis position of the first plate relative to the second plate and to move the X-axis position of the first plate.

10. The alignment mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a spring configured to bias the second plate relative to the first plate.

11. The alignment mechanism of claim 9, wherein the track has a cylindrical shape.

12. The alignment mechanism of claim 9, wherein the second plate comprises a body and a fastener, the fastener being configured to move relative to the body in the Y direction; wherein the second clamping mechanism comprises a bolt configured to pass through the track and engage the fastener; and When the second clamping mechanism is in the locking position, the bolt is tightened.

13. The alignment mechanism of claim 12, wherein the fastener is a T-nut.

14. The alignment mechanism of claim 9, wherein the first clamping mechanism comprises a cam.

15. A method for adjusting a position of a first plate relative to a second plate, the method comprising: moving the first plate relative to the second plate in the X-axis direction; fixing the X position of the first plate at a first X position relative to the second plate; moving the first plate relative to the second plate in the Y-axis direction; as well as fixing the Y position of the first plate in a first Y position relative to the second plate, Wherein fixing the Y position further moves the first plate to a second X position in the X-axis direction.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising biasing the first plate in the X-direction.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising aligning the first plate with a third plate.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the first plate in the X-axis direction comprises sliding the first plate on tracks on the second plate.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the X position of the first plate at a first X position comprises tightening a cam.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein fixing the Y position of the first plate in a first Y position comprises tightening a screw.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein fixing the Y position causes the first plate to move 0.1-5.0 mm in the X-axis direction to a second X position.

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