Bumper Mounting Jig with Dynamic Gripping for Reliable Bracket Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle front bumper skins tend to sag over time due to unreliable fixing to the vehicle structure, necessitating a more secure positioning and mounting solution.
Innovation Solution
A positioning jig with a gripping and holding system that allows translational movement and immobilization in multiple directions, featuring a jaw mechanism with a tight and loose configuration, actuation lever, and indexing pins for precise positioning and secure attachment of brackets to the bumper beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bumper skin is fixed to the vehicle structure using conventional mounting methods, then the assembly process is simple, but the fixing becomes unreliable over time causing the bumper skin to sag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning jig as an intermediary tool between the bumper skin and the vehicle structure. This jig includes a template with immobilizing members that interface with reference elements on the vehicle, and gripping members that hold the bumper skin brackets. The intermediary jig ensures precise positioning and reliable fixation without requiring complex direct mounting procedures, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixing reliability and device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a positioning jig with multiple immobilizing members is used to ensure precise positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning jig is segmented into distinct functional modules: a template with immobilizing members (indexing pins and support plates) for positioning, and a separate gripping system with jaws and actuation mechanisms for holding brackets. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently without unnecessary complexity, achieving high positioning precision while keeping the overall device manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping members incorporate dynamic elements such as actuation levers and resilient urging means that allow the gripping jaws to transition between tight and loose configurations. This dynamic capability enables precise positioning during assembly while allowing for easy adjustment and release, reducing the complexity of maintaining rigid precision throughout the entire device structure.
3Reliability
If the gripping jaw is designed with a tight configuration for secure gripping, then the holding reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping jaw is designed as a dynamic component that can switch between tight and loose configurations through an actuation mechanism. The resilient urging means continuously pushes the jaw toward the tight configuration for secure holding, while the actuation lever allows the operator to easily switch to the loose configuration for release. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both secure gripping and easy operation through a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient urging means automatically maintains the gripping jaw in the tight configuration without requiring continuous operator input, providing self-service secure holding. The actuation lever enables easy switching to the loose configuration when release is needed. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable holding during assembly while allowing quick release when required, resolving the contradiction between holding reliability and ease of operation.
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 reliable and precise fixing of the bumper skin to the vehicle structure, preventing sagging and reducing assembly time, while being easy to handle and manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
means for resiliently urging the gripping jaw towards its tight configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
This motor vehicle bumper (6) comprises a bumper beam (10) and a bumper skin (14) fixed relative to the beam (10). The bumper (6) also comprises at least one skin (14) supporting bracket (18), the bracket (18) being fixed to the beam (10) and supporting the skin. Applicable to the mounting of bumpers on private vehicles.