Clamping Element Connection for Precise Vehicle Body Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting vehicle body components in large-scale production are expensive and inflexible due to the need for component-specific positioning devices, which are costly and require precise coordination.
Innovation Solution
A method using a connection element with a clamping head and clamping element to securely connect two components by fitting through holes in the components, allowing for flexible and cost-effective assembly, with the option to detach the connection for repositioning or permanent fixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If component-specific positioning devices are used to align vehicle body components, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal connection element with a standardized interface that can be used across different vehicle body components. This single standardized component replaces multiple component-specific positioning devices, achieving the same positioning function universally. The connection element features a standardized connection geometry that interfaces with corresponding standardized features on various components, eliminating the need for custom positioning devices for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is separated into two independent parts: the connection element with standardized connection features, and the component-specific mounting holes or receptacles. This segmentation allows the standardized connection element to be reused across different components while each component maintains its own simple hole pattern, reducing overall system complexity while preserving positioning precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If component-specific positioning devices are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a universal connection element that can be used across multiple vehicle body components, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture separate positioning devices for each component. This standardization significantly reduces production costs through economies of scale, while maintaining positioning accuracy through the precisely engineered standardized interface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed as a simple, inexpensive standardized component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than investing in expensive, complex positioning devices, the patent uses multiple simple standardized connection elements that achieve the same positioning function at much lower cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized connection elements are used, then cost and flexibility are improved, but positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connection element achieves both flexibility and precision through its universal design. The standardized interface geometry is engineered to provide precise positioning when connected to compatible components, while the same connection element can be used with various different component types that feature the corresponding standardized receptacles, thus providing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall connection element design is standardized for universality, the local connection interface features are precisely engineered to ensure accurate positioning. The standardized holes, recesses, or mounting features on each component are designed with specific tolerances and geometries that guarantee precise alignment when the standardized connection element is inserted, thus maintaining positioning precision despite the standardized universal design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of connecting a first component having a first hole with a second component having a second hole includes the acts of placing together the two components so that the holes are situated above one another, and fixing the two components on one another. The fixing occurs by pushing a connection element projecting beyond the two components through the two components, the connection element having at least one clamping head which projects beyond a side of the first component facing away from the second component, and clipping a clamping element onto the clamping head, so that the clamping element is supported on a side of the first component facing away from the second component and exercises a clamping force onto the connection element which clamps together the two components.