Adjustable Holding Element With Sealing for Vehicle Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle part securing systems fail to effectively compensate for tolerance variations and ensure a reliable seal against moisture and dirt.
Innovation Solution
A holding element comprising a base region with receiving and holding regions for a fixing element and a component, a spacer element with adjustable engagement, and a sealing element made of softer material to create a reliable seal around the fixing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple screw systems are used to secure vehicle parts, then the assembly is simple, but the spacing adjustment capability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is divided into distinct functional segments: a base region for structural support, a spacer element for adjustable spacing, and a sealing element for environmental protection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function while maintaining overall assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element acts as an intermediary component between the base region and the vehicle part, enabling adjustable spacing while maintaining a simple screw-based assembly system. The threaded connection on the spacer element provides the necessary adaptability without complicating the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex fixing elements with multiple securing means are used, then the spacing adjustment capability is improved, but the seal against moisture and dirt is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the spacing adjustment function and the sealing function into a single integrated holding element. The spacer element and sealing element work together as a unified structure, ensuring both adjustable spacing and reliable sealing without requiring separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is made of softer material that can deform to create an effective seal around the spacer element and vehicle part interface. This flexible sealing mechanism ensures protection against moisture and dirt while accommodating the adjustable spacing provided by the threaded spacer element.
3Reliability
If a sealing element made of softer material is introduced, then the seal against wet or dirt is reliable, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is nested within or around the spacer element structure, with the softer sealing material forming an inner or outer layer that interfaces with the vehicle part. This nested configuration provides effective sealing while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element combines different materials with complementary properties: the spacer element provides structural integrity and adjustability, while the softer sealing material provides environmental protection. This composite structure achieves reliable sealing without excessive complexity by using materials that work together synergistically.
Data Source
AI summary
A holding element for holding a component to be secured includes: a base region with a first receiving and holding region for an elongate fixing element, a second receiving and holding region for the component, and a first hollow cylindrical engagement region; a spacer element with a spacer surface and a second hollow cylindrical engagement region in engagement with the first hollow cylindrical engagement region; and a sealing element, of a softer material than the spacer element, and having a hollow insertion region, wherein the insertion region has an inner round casing surface configured to bear against the elongate fixing element all around when the fixing element is secured in the holding element and thus seal against wet or dirt, wherein the distance from the spacer surface to the base region can be adjusted.