Component Carrier Retaining Device for One-Handed Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing component carriers for vehicle sensors, such as acceleration sensors, face challenges in simple one-handed installation and cost-effective manufacturing due to complex filigree catch elements in pre-fixation clips.
Innovation Solution
A component carrier with a retaining device featuring a pin structure, rib structure, and securing element that uses a transition fitting and tilting movement for easy installation and secure retention, allowing for simple and cost-effective manufacturing via injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-fixation clips with filigree catch elements are used, then secure retention is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex filigree catch elements from the pre-fixation mechanism and replaces them with a simpler retaining device consisting of a retention element and a snap element. The retention element is inserted through a through-opening and secured by a snap element, eliminating the need for intricate catch elements while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple retaining device that can be manufactured cost-effectively using injection molding. The retention element and snap element are designed as simple, disposable components that can be easily replaced if needed, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining functional reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a retaining device that is pre-assembled with the component carrier. The retention element is designed to be inserted through a through-opening and automatically secured by the snap element, allowing for simple one-handed installation without requiring complex fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fastening function into two simple components: a retention element for insertion and a snap element for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function simply, reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure fastening through the combination of these segmented elements.
3Reliability
If complex pre-installation clips are used, then retention security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention and securing functions into a single integrated retaining device that can be manufactured in one injection molding process. The retention element and snap element are designed as a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining retention security.
Data Source
AI summary
A component carrier is described for fastening a component on a mounting wall having a through-opening, including a receptacle device for the component, an installation device for establishing a fixation of the component carrier on the mounting wall, and a retaining device for the pre-fixation of the component carrier in the through-opening. The retaining device includes a pin structure and a rib structure extending along the pin structure, the pin structure and rib structure forming a fixation area, using which the retaining device is fixable in the through-opening. Furthermore, the retaining device includes a securing structure situated on the free end of the pin structure opposite to the rib structure, which prevents the retaining device from being pulled out of the through-opening.