Vehicle Connector Rotation Lock for Error-Proof Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly sequence of existing connectors for connecting components in motor vehicles is prone to erroneous assembly due to the risk of premature rotation during the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a rotation-blocking device between the crossbar and bearing collar, which prevents rotation in the preassembly position and only allows rotation when the connector has moved into the final assembly position, combined with radially outward projections and flexible latching projections to ensure correct alignment and prevent misassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector allows rotation in the preassembly position for ease of alignment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of erroneous assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation-blocking device applies preliminary anti-action by preventing rotation in the preassembly position through blocking lugs that engage with the first component. This counteracts the potential for erroneous assembly before the connector reaches the final assembly position, allowing alignment only after proper positioning is confirmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static blocked state to a dynamic rotated state only when properly positioned. The rotation-blocking device allows the connector to be non-rotatable in the preassembly position and rotatable only in the final assembly position, creating a dynamic constraint that ensures correct assembly sequence.
2Reliability
If the rotation-blocking device is added to prevent erroneous assembly, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation-blocking device is merged with the existing connector structure by integrating blocking lugs into the shaft portion and utilizing the existing aperture geometry of the first component. This combination approach adds the necessary rotation-blocking function without requiring completely separate additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking lugs serve multiple functions: they prevent rotation in the preassembly position, guide the connector during insertion, and engage with the aperture geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connector is constrained to prevent rotation, then the assembly accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be inserted into the aperture in a predetermined non-rotated preassembly position before rotation occurs. This preliminary positioning action ensures correct alignment is established before the rotation phase, separating the alignment and rotation steps in the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (1) for fastening a first component (100) to a second component (200) of a motor vehicle, includes a bearing collar (10) for bearing against the first component (100), a crossbar (20) having one or more upper bearing surfaces (21.1, 21.2) for bearing against the second component (200) and for bracing the second component (200) against the first component (100) in a rotated final assembly position, a shaft portion (30) for passing through corresponding apertures (110, 210) in the components (100, 200), and fastening means (40) for fastening the connector (1) to the first component (100) in a preassembly position. A rotation-blocking device (50) is configured to block rotation of the connector (1) in relation to the first component (100) in the preassembly position and only to release said rotation when the connector (1) has moved from the preassembly position in the direction of the final assembly position.