Vehicle Bumper Pivot Retaining Mechanism for Lighting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for assembling and disassembling lighting devices on motor vehicle bumpers face challenges such as the risk of screws being lost during replacement, increased manufacturing costs due to specialized molding, and complex mounting interfaces, which complicate the process and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle bumper design featuring a pivotable retaining portion with a snap-fastening mechanism and an access channel that securely holds a fixing part, preventing it from being lost during disassembly and simplifying the assembly and reassembly process by guiding a fixing tool, while eliminating the need for additional safety parts and optimizing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw is used to fix the lighting device to the bumper, then the lighting device can be securely fixed, but the screw may be lost during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the screw and the external environment. This retaining portion has a holding portion that captures the screw head, preventing it from falling out during disassembly, while still allowing the screw to perform its fixing function securely
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portion is designed to be integrated into the bumper structure itself, making the bumper self-sufficient in preventing screw loss without requiring additional separate components or tools
2Ease of operation
If a specialized reception portion is molded into the bumper to receive the lighting device, then the lighting device can be properly positioned, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion serves multiple functions: it guides the screw during assembly, holds the screw securely during disassembly, and provides structural support for the lighting device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized molding features
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portion is merged with the bumper structure as an integrated component, combining the functions of screw retention, guidance, and structural support into a single element that is manufactured together with the bumper
3Reliability
If a complex mounting interface is designed to secure the lighting device, then the fixing is more reliable, but the assembly process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion is pre-formed as an integral part of the bumper structure during manufacturing, so no additional assembly steps are required to install the retention mechanism itself. The screw can be directly inserted and secured without preliminary preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: the reception portion for initial positioning, the holding portion for screw retention, and the access channel for tool insertion. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with others
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 prevents screw loss during equipment replacement, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the mounting interface, facilitating efficient assembly and maintenance by ensuring the fixing part remains secure and easily accessible.
Implementation Method 1
The holding portion comprises snap-fastening means configured to block the holding portion in the close position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a bumper (100) for a vehicle having a structure, said bumper (100) comprising: a main portion (2) to be secured to the structure of the vehicle; and an attachment opening (4) intended to receive an attachment part (6) for attaching a piece of vehicle equipment, in particular a lighting device. The bumper is characterised in that it also comprises a retaining portion (8) that an pivot relative to the main portion (2), said retaining portion (8) pivoting between a position (10) at a distance from the attachment opening (4) and a position (12) close to the attachment opening (4) in order to retain the attachment part (6) therein.