Assembly Aid Opening for One-Side Fastener Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle assembly, especially for rail vehicles, connection points are often only accessible from one side, making it difficult to manually hold fastening elements like nuts in place during assembly, leading to potential loosening of screw connections and contact corrosion issues in outdoor applications.
Innovation Solution
A device with a through opening designed to receive and securely hold fastening elements, such as nuts, using frictional engagement and flexible connecting elements, allowing assembly from an inaccessible side and preventing excessive surface pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metallic cages are used to hold fastening elements during assembly, then the fastening elements can be secured in inaccessible positions, but contact corrosion occurs due to electrochemical series incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a plastic assembly aid device that is inexpensive and single-use, eliminating the need for durable metallic cages. The plastic device performs its function of holding the fastening element during assembly and is then discarded, avoiding all corrosion issues inherent in metallic solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, fundamentally altering the chemical properties of the assembly aid device. This material substitution eliminates electrochemical incompatibility with aluminum profile members, preventing contact corrosion while maintaining the mechanical function of securing fastening elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If extensive corrosion protection is applied to metallic cages, then contact corrosion is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex corrosion-protected metallic cages with inexpensive plastic assembly aid devices that require no protective coatings or treatments. The plastic material inherently resists corrosion, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plastic as an alternative material that combines structural integrity with inherent corrosion resistance, eliminating the need for composite metal-plastic constructions or protective coatings that would increase manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If roof skirts are installed on vehicles, then vehicle protection is improved, but excessive surface pressure causes screw connection loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by positioning the plastic assembly aid device between the screw connection and the roof skirt during assembly. This device prevents excessive surface pressure from being transmitted to the screw connection, thereby preventing loosening before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plastic assembly aid device as an intermediary element between the fastening system and the roof skirt. This mediator distributes and reduces surface pressure, protecting the screw connection from loosening while still allowing the roof skirt to provide its protective function.
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
Ensures stable and secure fastening without loosening, while avoiding contact corrosion, facilitating quick and cost-effective assembly in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
the at least first fastening means can be fixed in the opening of the device at least by means of the boundary of the first region of the opening
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for assembly aids and a device strip consisting of at least two devices according to the invention, wherein the device (1) is designed with at least a first (2) and a second (3) side opposite the first side (2) and at least one opening (5) extending between the first (2) and the second (3) side for receiving at least one first fastening means (15), and the at least one opening (5) has at least one first (7) and an adjoining second (9) area, which are designed such that the at least first fastening means (15) can be inserted into the at least one opening (5) of the device (1) at most up to the boundary of the at least two areas (7, 9).wherein the at least first fastening means (15) is located at least partially in the first region (7) and partially in the second region (9) of the opening (5) after being fully inserted and wherein the at least first fastening means (15) can be fixed in the opening (5) of the device (1) at least by means of the boundary (11) of the first region (7) of the opening (5).