Centering Cap Bolt Assembly for Vehicle Body Part Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the assembly of vehicle body parts, misalignment between the vehicle body parts and the vehicle body can lead to issues such as watertightness, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), and durability problems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body part and assembly structure that incorporates a centering cap bolt with a screw thread on its exterior circumference and a detachable centering pin, which fits into a centering hole in the vehicle body, ensuring proper alignment and mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If vehicle body parts are mounted using conventional fastening members (bolts and nuts), then the parts can be assembled to the vehicle body, but misalignment between the parts and vehicle body centering occurs due to size and weight, leading to watertightness, NVH, and durability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The centering pin is inserted into the centering hole before the fastening operation to pre-establish the correct centering position. This preliminary action ensures that the vehicle body part is properly aligned with the vehicle body before any fastening occurs, preventing misalignment issues that would otherwise require rework or lead to quality problems
Solution Approach 2:
The centering pin acts as an intermediary tool between the vehicle body part and the vehicle body during assembly. It temporarily occupies the centering hole to guide and maintain the correct positioning, serving as a mediator that ensures accurate centering alignment before the actual fastening process begins
2Manufacturing precision
If a centering pin is provided detachably with the centering cap bolt, then proper centering alignment can be achieved, but the assembly process requires additional steps for inserting and removing the centering pin
Solution Approach 1:
The centering pin and centering cap bolt are combined into a single detachable assembly. The centering pin fits into the hollow portion of the centering cap bolt, creating an integrated unit that performs both centering and fastening functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The centering cap bolt serves multiple functions: it acts as both a centering tool (when the centering pin is inserted) and a fastening member (when the centering pin is removed and the bolt is tightened). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate centering and fastening operations, reducing assembly complexity
3Strength
If the centering pin has a pin body with exterior diameter d2 larger than the fitting portion diameter d1, then the centering pin can be joined by interference fit in the hollow of the shank portion, but the manufacturing precision requirements for the interference fit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diameter parameter of the pin body (d2) is intentionally made larger than the fitting portion diameter (d1) to create an interference fit condition. This parameter change ensures a strong mechanical connection between the centering pin and the shank portion hollow, transforming a potential loose fit into a secure interference fit that provides sufficient connection strength
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 proposed solution enhances the watertight performance, NVH performance, durability, assemblability, and productivity of the vehicle body, while also reducing manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.
Implementation Method 1
The centering pin may be joined by an interference fit in the hollow of the shank portion
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment vehicle body part includes a panel, a centering cap bolt mounted on the panel and having a screw thread on an exterior circumference surface, and a centering pin that is detachably provided with the centering cap bolt and is insertable together with the centering cap bolt into a centering hole disposed in a vehicle body.