Vehicle Belt Deflector Spring Fit to Prevent Rattling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deflectors for guiding webbing in vehicles often experience rattling noises due to manufacturing-related surface defects and tolerance issues between metal and plastic components, leading to a poor fit and increased noise during operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spring element that rests on the inner surface of the receptacle, providing a biasing force to compensate for manufacturing-related defects and prevent uncontrolled movement between the metal body and the fitting piece, thus creating a positive connection and reducing rattling noises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a metal body with a plastic fitting piece is used to reduce weight and improve aesthetics, then weight is reduced and appearance is improved, but manufacturing tolerances cause surface defects and rattling noises between components
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is introduced between the metal body and the plastic fitting piece to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and prevent rattling noises before they occur during operation. The spring element acts as a cushioning component that absorbs dimensional deviations and prevents direct rigid contact between the two parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element changes the mechanical parameters of the connection between metal body and plastic fitting piece by introducing elasticity and compliance. This transforms the rigid connection into a flexible one that can adapt to manufacturing variations and eliminate rattling noises.
2Ease of manufacture
If higher tolerances are applied during manufacturing of the metal body for production reasons, then manufacturing is easier and cost is reduced, but the metal part does not fit precisely causing defects and rattling noises
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves as an intermediary component between the metal body and the plastic fitting piece. It mediates the connection by absorbing the dimensional deviations caused by loose tolerances, allowing both parts to be manufactured more easily without compromising the final fit and eliminating rattling noises.
3Strength
If a positive connection is formed through an engagement section between the fitting piece and metal body, then structural integrity is improved, but surface defects and tolerance issues cause rattling noises in the engagement area
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is positioned to compensate for surface defects and tolerance issues in the engagement section before they can cause rattling noises during operation. It provides beforehand cushioning that prevents the development of harmful vibrations while maintaining the positive connection's structural integrity.
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 spring element effectively compensates for manufacturing tolerances, prevents rattling noises, and ensures a secure connection between the metal body and the fitting piece, enhancing the restraint effect and reducing assembly defects.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement section having at least one spring element resting on the receiving inner surface
Implementation Method 2
prevent rattling noises, especially between the two components
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a deflector 1 for guiding a belt in a vehicle, comprising at least a metal body 2 with a mounting opening 3 attachable to the vehicle and with a belt slot 4, and a plastic fitting 5 connected to the metal body 2, wherein the metal body 2 has a receptacle 6 and an engagement section 7 corresponding to the receptacle 6 is formed on the fitting 5, such that the engagement section 7 engages in the receptacle 6, and wherein the receptacle 6 has an inner receiving surface 8 facing the engagement section 7 and the engagement section 7 has an engagement surface 9 facing the receptacle 6.