Articulating Hood Pin Assembly for Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle hood latch assemblies face challenges in accommodating build variation among components, leading to inconsistent latching performance due to tolerance variations in manufactured parts.
Innovation Solution
An articulating hood pin assembly comprising a double-ended ball stud, a receiver, a retention element forming a spherical pocket, and a snap ring, which allows for free articulation and secure latching by capturing the ball stud within the receiver, thereby accommodating build variation and ensuring smooth latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid hood latch components are used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but build variation cannot be accommodated leading to inconsistent latching performance
Solution Approach 1:
The hood pin assembly incorporates a ball stud that can articulate (rotate) within a receiver, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable one. This articulation capability allows the assembly to adapt to build variation while maintaining reliable latching performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical pocket retention element allows the ball stud to change its orientation and position within the receiver. This parameter change capability enables the system to accommodate variations in component dimensions while maintaining proper latching function.
2Reliability
If multiple precision components are used to ensure proper latching, then latching reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hood pin assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a ball stud for articulation, a receiver for mounting, a spherical pocket retention element for capturing the ball stud, and a snap ring for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical pocket retention element acts as an intermediary between the ball stud and the receiver. It captures the ball stud in a controlled manner while allowing necessary movement, simplifying the overall assembly while ensuring reliable latching.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating hood pin assembly includes a double-ended ball stud, a receiver, a retention element holding the double-ended ball stud and a snap ring securing the retention element in the receiver. A hood latch assembly includes a latch mechanism and the articulating hood pin assembly.