Vehicle Bumper Locating Member Alignment Method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in assembling vehicle bumpers and tail lamps lies in aligning components efficiently on the assembly line, particularly due to the stacked configuration and limited time available, which affects the uniformity of gaps between exterior body panels and components.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a locating member with lamp engagement portions and bumper alignment means, where a movable fixing portion allows for provisional mounting and adjustment to ensure a uniform gap between the bumper and lamps, utilizing a spring for biasing and alignment, enabling precise positioning and final fixing of the bumper relative to the body structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a locating member with movable fixing portion is used to allow provisional mounting and adjustment, then the alignment precision and uniformity of panel gaps are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing portion is designed to be movable relative to the locating member, allowing dynamic adjustment during the mounting process. This enables the operator to provisional mount the locating member, adjust its position for precise alignment, and then secure it in the final position, thereby improving alignment precision without requiring complex specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the locating member with lamp engagement portions, the movable fixing portion, and the bumper alignment means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while achieving precise alignment through coordinated operation of these modular elements
2Ease of operation
If the locating member is provisionally mounted before finalizing its position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the time required for assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating member is provisionally mounted in advance before final positioning and securing. This preliminary mounting allows the operator to establish the general position and make necessary adjustments to achieve proper alignment with the lamps and bumper, making the operation easier and more systematic without significantly extending total assembly time
3Adaptability or versatility
If the at least one fixing portion is movably coupled to the lamp engagement portion, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable coupling between the fixing portion and lamp engagement portion provides adaptability by allowing the fixing portion to move relative to the locating member. This enables adjustment to accommodate variations in lamp positioning and achieving proper alignment, while the simplicity of the movable connection mechanism keeps the overall device complexity manageable
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
This approach facilitates efficient and accurate alignment of the bumper to the body structure, ensuring a uniform panel gap between the bumper and lamps, improving the fit and finish quality by allowing for precise adjustment and final fixing of the bumper's position.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling can comprise at least one resilient member. The coupling can comprise a spring. The spring can be a compression spring. The method can include compressing the at least one spring when the lamps and/or the locating member are positioned in relation to the body structure. The at least one compressed spring biases the associated lamp engagement portion against the associated lamp.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present application relates to a method of mounting a bumper (3) to the body structure (9) of a motor vehicle (5) using a locating member (11) having a lamp-engagement portion (25) for engaging a lamp (7), and a fixing portion (29). The fixing portion (29) is movably coupled to the lamp-engagement portion (25). The method comprises attaching the fixing portion (29) to the body structure so that the locating member (11) is movable relative to the body structure. The locating member is positioned such that the lamp engagement portion engages the lamp (7) and the locating member (11) is fixedly mounted to the body structure. The bumper is located in an aligned position in relation to the lamp by means of alignment means (21) provided on the locating member. The bumper is fixed in said aligned positioned. The present application relates to a corresponding locating member.