Collapsible Fastener Controlled Breakage Vehicle Lamp Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lamp unit fastening systems face challenges in assembly due to complicated geometry and are not adequately designed to minimize damage and injury during low-speed collisions, as they do not easily accommodate positional adjustments and impact absorption.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible fastener with predefined breaking modes, allowing controlled breakage in specific directions, facilitating assembly and impact absorption by breaking instead of the lamp unit or fender, thus protecting the vehicle and pedestrians from injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a collapsible fastener with predefined breaking modes is used, then damage to vehicles and injury to pedestrians is reduced during low-speed collisions, but the fastener structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple attachment portions (first attachment portion to lamp unit, second attachment portion to vehicle body) with a predefined weakening zone between them. This segmentation allows the fastener to break in controlled modes at the weakening zone, directing breakage away from the lamp unit and fender, thereby reducing damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A localized weakening zone is introduced between the attachment portions of the fastener. This local modification creates a predetermined break point with lower strength compared to the rest of the fastener structure. The weakening zone enables controlled breakage in specific directions during impact, reducing harmful effects without requiring complete redesign of the entire fastener.
2Ease of operation
If a T-shaped bracket is used for positional adjustment, then assembly is simplified, but the fastener lacks adequate impact absorption capability
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is designed with predefined breaking modes that allow it to dynamically respond to impact forces. During low-speed collisions, the fastener breaks in controlled directions at the weakening zone, absorbing impact energy and preventing transmission of damaging forces to the lamp unit and fender. This dynamic breakage behavior complements the simple assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed to break under impact loads, converting the harmful effect of collision into a beneficial controlled breakage at the weakening zone. This prevents more severe damage to the lamp unit and vehicle body, while the simple fastener structure maintains ease of assembly and replacement.
3Ease of repair
If the fastener is made breakable with predefined breaking modes, then the lamp unit can be easily replaced after impact, but the fastener loses its structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener structure is segmented into strong attachment portions and a weakening zone. The attachment portions maintain sufficient strength for normal operation and secure mounting, while the weakening zone is deliberately designed to break first during impact. This segmentation enables easy replacement of the lamp unit after controlled breakage without compromising the fastener's holding strength during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
A localized weakening zone is created between the attachment portions, concentrating the breakage behavior to a specific area. The rest of the fastener structure maintains its full strength for normal operation. This local modification allows the fastener to be strong when needed (normal use) and breakable when needed (impact absorption), facilitating easy repair while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a collapsible fastener (1) for fastening of a lamp unit (2) to a vehicle body (3). The collapsible fastener has a first attachment portion (5) adapted to be fastened to the lamp unit (2) and a second attachment portion (7) adapted to be fastened to the vehicle body. The collapsible fastener is breakable when subjected to a load in at least two preferred breaking modes, a first and a second, each of the at least two preferred breaking modes being defined by a controlled breaking direction and a load threshold level for breakage to occur in the breaking direction, such that the size and direction of the load determines which breaking mode will occur. The present invention further relates to a kit comprising a collapsible fastener and an attachment element (9, 11), as well as to a vehicle front body structure comprising a lamp unit (2), a fender (19) and a collapsible fastener (1), wherein the vehicle lamp unit (2) is attached to the fender (19) by means of the collapsible fastener (1).