Adjustable Retention Ring Fastening System for Vehicle Jacking Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for jacking points on vehicles are not adaptable to varying vehicle body thicknesses, leading to unreliable connections and are often bulky and complex to disassemble.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system featuring a retention ring with movable latching protrusions and a locking pin with external threads, allowing for axial adjustability and secure latching to different vehicle body thicknesses, while being compact and easy to assemble/disassemble.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed-design fastening system is used, then the connection is reliable for a specific body thickness, but it cannot adapt to different vehicle types with varying body thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different body thicknesses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retention ring is designed with axial movability along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate different body thicknesses. The ring can move between a retracted position (for thinner bodies) and an extended position (for thicker bodies), maintaining reliable connection across varying dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system changes the positional parameter of the retention ring along the longitudinal axis to adapt to different body thicknesses. By adjusting the ring's position, the system maintains optimal engagement geometry regardless of the specific thickness variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a jack bracket with axial adjustability is used, then different body thicknesses can be accommodated, but the structure becomes bulky and requires significant space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuitability for different body thicknessesVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The retention ring is designed to nest within the component's clearance opening when in the retracted position. This nested configuration minimizes the external dimensions and space requirement, particularly on the internal side of the vehicle, while still providing full axial adjustability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a tension screw mechanism is used for axial adjustment, then different body thicknesses can be accommodated, but the disassembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to body thicknessVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin is designed as a separate, extractable element that can be easily removed to release the retention ring. This extraction mechanism allows the retention ring to be freely moved along the longitudinal axis for adjustment, and simplifies disassembly by removing the locking constraint rather than requiring complex undoing of a tension screw mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The system provides a reliable and compact fastening solution suitable for multiple vehicle types by allowing adjustable spacing and preventing unintentional release, with a design that facilitates easy assembly and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

The locking pin has an external thread which in an inserted state engages with an internal thread of the retention ring in such a manner that the retention ring, on account of the locking pin being screwed into the retention ring, is moved counter to the introduction direction of the locking pin toward the component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fastening mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3724521B1Fastening system for fastening a component to a vehicle body
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3724521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3724521B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3724521B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5

AI summary

Fastening system for fastening a component, in particular a jacking point, to a vehicle body, where the component (12) has a clearance opening (18) that extends along a longitudinal axis, a retention ring (20) which is mounted so as to be movable along the longitudinal axis in the clearance opening (18), wherein the retention ring (20) on an end portion that protrudes from the clearance opening has retaining protrusions (24) for latching to a retention opening of the vehicle body, a locking pin (40) that in an introduction direction along the longitudinal axis is insertable through the clearance opening into the retention ring (20), wherein the locking pin (40) has an external thread (42) which engages with an internal thread (26) of the retention ring (20) such that the retention ring (20), on account of the locking pin (40) being screwed into the retention ring (20), is moved counter to the introduction direction of the locking pin (40) toward the component (12).