Articulating Bracket Assembly for Vehicle Rail Trim Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching rail trims to the sidewalls of vehicle load boxes is challenging due to the relative positions and sizes of the components, requiring a bracket that allows for a wider range of installation angles to improve efficiency in production environments.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly with articulating members, including pivot connections and sockets, allows for adjustable installation angles and lengths, enabling easier assembly and secure attachment of rail trims to load box sidewalls through various fastening methods such as heat staking and snap fits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed bracket is used to attach rail trim to sidewall, then the structure is simple, but the installation angle is limited and assembly is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates articulation members with pivot connections that enable dynamic adjustment of installation angles. The first articulation member connects the rail trim to the sidewall at adjustable angles, while the second articulation member provides additional angular flexibility. This dynamic structure allows the bracket to adapt to different installation positions and orientations, significantly improving assembly ease compared to a fixed bracket design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-angle bracket is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different installation positions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly uses articulation members with pivot connections that enable dynamic adjustment of installation angles. The first articulation member connects the rail trim to the sidewall at adjustable angles, while the second articulation member provides additional angular flexibility. This dynamic structure allows the bracket to adapt to different installation positions and orientations, significantly improving assembly ease compared to a fixed bracket design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is divided into multiple segments including a first articulation member and a second articulation member, each capable of independent angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while collectively providing wide adaptability range. The modular segmented structure achieves high versatility without excessive overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If rigid connections are used between parts, then the structural stability is high, but the assembly flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates articulation members with pivot connections that enable dynamic adjustment of installation angles. The first articulation member connects the rail trim to the sidewall at adjustable angles, while the second articulation member provides additional angular flexibility. This dynamic structure allows the bracket to adapt to different installation positions and orientations, significantly improving assembly ease compared to a fixed bracket design.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation members are designed with pre-configured pivot connections and socket structures that guide the assembly process. The sockets are positioned and oriented to receive pivots at specific angles, preliminarily establishing the correct installation geometry before final tightening. This preliminary action ensures both assembly flexibility and connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Bracket assemblies to connect a first part and a second part where the two parts form an angle with one another including a first articulation member that includes a first joint portion with a first pivot connection that is coupled with the first part, the first articulation member also including a second joint portion having a second pivot connection that is coupled with the second part. In some examples, there is a second articulation member that is pivotably connected to the first articulation member and the first part.