Accident Sensor Bolt with Elastic Sleeve for Tool-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accident sensors in vehicles require tool-assisted mounting and may not efficiently seal the dry area from the wet area, leading to potential installation errors and resonance issues, while also being costly.
Innovation Solution
A bolt with an elastic sleeve is used for fastening the accident sensor to the vehicle wall, allowing one-handed installation without tools, providing a secure seal, and damping high-frequency resonances through the elastic sleeve's design, which eliminates the need for mechanical counter bearings and bushings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening means (screws, fastening elements) are used to mount the accident sensor, then the sensor can be securely attached to the wall, but the mounting process requires tools and cannot be performed with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools. The elastic sleeve automatically engages with the mounting surface when the sensor assembly is positioned, allowing the sensor to fasten itself to the wall through simple insertion and release actions that can be performed with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is extracted from the sensor housing and implemented as a separate, integrated fastening assembly consisting of the elastic sleeve and fastening elements. This allows the sensor to be mounted without requiring traditional screwdrivers or mounting tools, as the fastening mechanism operates independently through elastic deformation and mechanical engagement.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods (bushings, mechanical counter bearings) are used to seal the dry area from the wet area, then the seal can be effective, but the device becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the fastening function in the elastic sleeve assembly. The same elastic sleeve that provides mechanical fastening also creates the seal between the dry and wet areas, eliminating the need for separate bushings or mechanical counter bearings. This integration reduces component count while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the elastic material's ability to conform to the mounting surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sleeve acts as a flexible sealing element that deforms to create an effective seal between the sensor housing and the mounting surface. This flexible shell approach replaces rigid sealing components like bushings, providing reliable sealing while reducing device complexity and cost.
3Strength
If traditional rigid fastening methods are used, then the sensor is securely attached, but high-frequency mechanical resonances cannot be effectively damped
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system changes the mechanical parameters of the attachment by using an elastic material instead of rigid fasteners. The elastic sleeve provides sufficient attachment strength through elastic deformation and friction, while simultaneously damping high-frequency mechanical resonances by absorbing vibrational energy. This parameter change from rigid to elastic fastening resolves the contradiction between strength and resonance damping.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components (fastening elements, sealing elements, damping elements) are used, then each function can be optimized, but the overall device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (fastening, sealing, and resonance damping) are merged into a single integrated elastic sleeve assembly. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components such as fastening elements, bushings, and damping elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable functional performance through the multi-functional design.
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
This solution enables cost-effective, tool-free installation and secure sealing of the accident sensor, preventing incorrect installation and effectively damping mechanical resonances, while ensuring the sensor remains securely attached to the vehicle wall.
Implementation Method 1
the bolt is received in an elastic sleeve (16) made of a rubbery or other soft plastic such as silicone
Implementation Method 2
Due to the elastic shape of the sleeve, the fastening force and the mechanical hardness when connected to the door panel and thus also the resonance behavior can be influenced or designed. In particular, high-frequency mechanical resonances can be efficiently damped.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
An accident sensor with fastening means is proposed, wherein the fastening means permit the accident sensor to be fastened to a wall in a vehicle. The accident sensor has at least one hole which has a bolt in an elastically designed sleeve as the fastening means. The bolt together with the sleeve is considered in such a manner that the accident sensor is fastened by the bolt together with the sleeve in the wall by means of a clamping action.