Adjustable Length Unit Locking Arm Assembly for Stable Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length-adjustable units with connecting elements for motor vehicle applications, such as spindle drives and gas pressure springs, have complex and time-consuming manufacturing processes due to snap ring mechanisms, leading to unsatisfactory assembly efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with elastically flexible locking arms and complementary locking elements that can be easily mounted onto an axial end section, allowing for radial deformation during assembly and secure locking under tensile and compressive loads, using a fiber-reinforced plastic material for durability and ease of production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap ring mechanism with circumferential grooves and web engagement is used to hold the connecting element, then the connection stability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the locking arm, specifically designing it with elastic flexibility that allows radial deformation. This parameter change enables a simpler insertion mechanism where the locking arm deforms radially outward during assembly and locks into place, eliminating the complex snap ring mechanism while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed as a flexible elastic component that can deform radially. This flexibility allows the locking arm to be inserted easily by deforming outward, then lock securely when deformed back inward, replacing the rigid and complex snap ring system with a simpler flexible mechanism
2Reliability
If multiple locking arms are used to secure the connecting element, then the connection stability is improved, but the manufacturing effort and risk of breakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses exactly four locking arms, which provides sufficient connection stability without excessive complexity. This number balances the need for secure attachment with manageable manufacturing effort and reduced breakage risk, avoiding both insufficient locking and over-engineering
3Ease of operation
If the locking arm is designed to be elastically deformable radially outward, then the assembly ease is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural support, enables easy insertion through radial deformation, and creates the locking mechanism through its elastic properties. This merging eliminates the need for separate snap rings and grooves, reducing overall structural complexity despite the elastic 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
Enables simple, quick, and stable connection of the unit to vehicle components, reducing manufacturing effort and risk of breakage while maintaining high load-bearing capacity and assembly ease.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking arm (211) which is elastically flexible outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis in a mounting configuration of the connection element for plugging onto the end section
Implementation Method 2
the at least one locking element (212) is designed to have at least one complementary to the locking element shaped counter-locking element of the end section in an operating state of the connection element plugged onto the end section to interact positively along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a length-adjustable unit (100) with a connecting element (210) for the tensile and compressive load-bearing connection of the unit (100) to a component, wherein the connecting element (210) is attached along the longitudinal axis (LA) to an axial end section (110) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the unit (110). The connecting element (210) comprises at least one locking arm (211) which is elastically flexible outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) in a mounting configuration of the connecting element (210) for mounting onto the end section (110), wherein the at least one locking arm (211) comprises at least one locking element (212), wherein the at least one locking element (212) is designed to interact positively with at least one counter-locking element (112) of the end section (110) which is shaped complementarily to the locking element (212) in an operating state of the connecting element (210) mounted on the end section (110) along the longitudinal axis (LA).The invention further relates to a manufacturing process for the aggregate (100).