Composite Motor Vehicle Component Fixation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite components for motor vehicles face issues with precise fixation, manufacturing complexity, and potential for offset or rattling due to edge-based connections and inherent play in snap elements, which can lead to visual and tactile imperfections and require careful assembly.
Innovation Solution
A composite component design featuring a positioning and fixing element with a tab that extends from the first opening part to the second, allowing for precise engagement and fixation of the outer casing and support body in two orthogonal directions, providing self-engaging connection with audible, visual, and tactile feedback, and enabling easy assembly without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If snap elements are used for connection between support body and outer casing, then assembly is simplified, but inherent play and tolerance cause offset and visual imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into two distinct parts: a first opening part for insertion and a second opening part for precise positioning. This segmentation allows the connection process to be divided into two stages: initial engagement through the larger first opening part, followed by precise positioning through the smaller second opening part, thereby eliminating the play and tolerance issues inherent in single-opening snap connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning projection acts as an intermediary element between the snap element and the outer casing. It first engages with the first opening part for initial positioning, then transitions to the second opening part for precise final positioning, mediating the connection process to eliminate offset and ensure accurate alignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If connection is made only at edges between support body and outer casing, then manufacturing is simplified, but temperature variations cause rattling due to differential expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent positioning and fixing elements distributed at different locations (edges and center). This segmentation allows each element to independently accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, preventing the rattling that occurs when only edge connections are provided and materials expand differentially during temperature variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise fixation is achieved through complex positioning mechanisms, then positioning accuracy is improved, but assembly complexity and manual intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning and fixing functions are merged into a single integrated element with two opening parts. The positioning projection automatically transitions from the first opening part to the second opening part during insertion, combining precise positioning with simple one-handed assembly. This merging eliminates the need for complex separate positioning mechanisms or manual intervention while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning projection performs self-positioning by automatically transitioning from the first opening part to the second opening part during the insertion process. This self-service mechanism ensures precise fixation without requiring manual alignment or complex external positioning devices, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
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 ensures precise, backlash-free fixation and easy assembly, reducing the risk of offset or rattling, while allowing for simple and economical manufacturing with enhanced ergonomic and automated production capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the tab (12) is deflectable from its rest position by pushing against the positioning projection (20) in the first opening part (11a), in which the positioning element can be moved by means of a relative movement in the direction of the second part of opening (11b), wherein when the locating projection is fully moved into and positioned in the second opening portion (11b), the tab (12) rebounds at least partially from the deflected state to the rest position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a composite component (1) for a motor vehicle comprising an outer casing (2) and a support body (3), which has a positioning and fastening element (10) formed on the support body (3) and defining an opening (11) with a first opening portion (11a) and a second opening portion (11b), in which a tab (12) is further provided and extends beyond the first opening portion (11a). A positioning protrusion (20), which is formed on the outer casing (2), can be engaged in the first opening portion (11b) by deflecting the tab (12), and then pushed into the second opening portion (11b), where the positioning protrusion (20) is fixed and held immobilized between the tab (12) and an edge (15b) of the second opening portion (11b).