Bumper Attachment Device with Offset Fastening Passages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching a bumper to a vehicle's bodywork face challenges in areas with limited space and restricted access, where traditional fastening systems are hindered by the vehicle's structure, leading to inadequate attachment and potential deformation or loss of effectiveness over time.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a fixed and removable portion with offset passages allows for secure screwing of the bumper to a bodywork element, even in confined spaces, using a spout and recess mechanism for easy assembly and distribution of forces, ensuring a stable and durable attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional fastening means are used to attach the bumper to the bodywork, then the attachment strength is improved, but the accessibility for assembly is worsened due to limited space and restricted access in the attachment area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidaccessibility for assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a device with a first element extending in a first direction and a second element extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, creating a two-dimensional arrangement of fastening means. This dimensional change allows access to the attachment area from multiple directions, resolving the accessibility problem while maintaining attachment strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is segmented into multiple independent fastening means distributed across the attachment area. Each fastening means can be accessed and operated independently, allowing assembly to proceed even when certain areas are difficult to reach, thus improving overall accessibility while maintaining cumulative attachment strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the number of snap-fastening means is increased to improve the holding and plating quality, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the volume of space required for assembly is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidvolume of space required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device nests multiple fastening means within a compact three-dimensional structure. The first and second elements are arranged perpendicular to each other, allowing snap-fastening means to be positioned at intersections or along the lengths of both elements without requiring proportional increases in overall volume, thus maintaining high attachment reliability within limited space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

By arranging fastening means in three-dimensional space using perpendicular elements, the patent maximizes the number of attachment points within a minimal volume footprint, resolving the contradiction between reliability (requiring multiple fasteners) and space constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the docking line length is reduced to accommodate vehicle design constraints, then the adaptability to vehicle design is improved, but the attachment solidity is worsened due to limited contact surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle designVSAvoidattachment solidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function is segmented from the docking line contact to the fastening means. The docking line provides only positioning and initial contact, while the segmented fastening means (screws, nuts, washers) provide the actual attachment solidity. This segmentation allows the docking line to be short for design adaptability while maintaining strong attachment through distributed fastening points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device acts as an intermediary between the short docking line and the bodywork. The first and second elements extend from the docking line area to reach secure attachment points on the bodywork, mediating between the limited contact surface and the requirement for solid attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3347603B1Devie for fixing a bumper to a body element
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3347603B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3347603B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for attaching two parts (1, 2) to one another, said parts being a bumper (1) and a body element (2) of a motor vehicle, the device being intended for receiving and retaining inside of same a portion (1a) of at least a first (1) one of the parts (1, 2). The device comprises a stationary portion (4) and a removable portion (8), which are vertically adjacent in an attachment position with a separation (9) between the two portions (4, 8), the separation (9) including an area for recessing and retaining portions (1a, 2a) of the first and second parts (1, 2) vertically adjacent to one another, a passage (11) supported by one end of each of the stationary (4) and removable (8) portions being offset on the device relative to the recessing area, said passage (11) receiving a means (12, 12a) for attaching the portions (4, 8).