Multi-Direction Biasing Connector Assembly for Automotive BSR Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling arrangements for automotive components, such as trim panels and structural pillars, often result in undesirable buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) conditions, which are mitigated by using flocked tape at increased material and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a first and second connector with biasing members that constrain relative movement in multiple directions, allowing for alignment and secure coupling while permitting sliding motion in a third direction, thereby reducing BSR conditions without the need for additional materials like flocked tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling arrangements (locator pins and tabs) are used to join automotive components, then the components can be coupled together, but buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) conditions occur that are undesirable to end users
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates resilient biasing members that allow dynamic adjustment and maintenance of contact pressure between mating connectors. The biasing members enable the connection to adapt to thermal expansion, vibration, and assembly variations, maintaining consistent coupling force that prevents BSR conditions while ensuring reliable component joining
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the coupling system by introducing elastic deformation through the biasing members. The resilient elements store and release mechanical energy, creating a dynamic contact pressure regime that eliminates the static, rigid coupling that causes BSR. The biasing members transform the coupling from a rigid fixed-state to a flexible dynamic-state that absorbs vibrations and prevents relative micro-movements
2Object-generated harmful factors
If flocked tape is used to mitigate BSR conditions, then BSR is reduced, but material and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate BSR mitigation materials (such as flocked tape) by integrating the vibration-damping function directly into the connector structure itself. The biasing members perform both the primary coupling function and the BSR mitigation function, removing the need for additional materials and simplifying both material requirements and installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated connector design. The biasing members simultaneously provide mechanical coupling, maintain contact pressure, and dampen vibrations to prevent BSR. This consolidation of functions eliminates the need for separate BSR mitigation components and reduces overall system complexity and cost
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 solution effectively constrains relative movement between components in multiple directions, reducing BSR conditions and minimizing material and installation costs by eliminating the need for flocked tape, thus providing a cost-effective and reliable coupling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member carried by the first connector or the second connector, and a second biasing member also carried by either the first connector or the second connector. When the first and second connectors are mated together, the first and second connectors are: biased in a first direction by the first biasing member thereby constraining relative movement between the first and second connectors in the first direction; biased in a second direction by the second biasing member thereby constraining relative movement between the first and second connectors in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for coupling a first component with a second component. The assembly may comprise first and second connectors respectively associated with the first and second components, a first biasing member carried by either the first or second connector, and a second biasing member also carried by either the first connector or the second connector. When mated together, the first and second connectors are biased in a first direction by the first biasing member thereby constraining relative movement between the connectors in the first direction. The connectors are also biased in a second direction by the second biasing member thereby constraining relative movement between the connectors in the second direction, wherein the second direction is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first direction. And the connectors are relatively slidable in a third direction different from the first and second directions.