Adjustable Contact Carrier Clamping for Variable Wall Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact carriers in vehicles face challenges in securely attaching to components of varying thicknesses, often leading to inadequate fixation and potential detachment during operation due to the use of compensating elements like shims.
Innovation Solution
A contact carrier design featuring a carrier body with a first and second clamping element, where the second clamping element is shiftable relative to the first, allowing for adjustable distance and a locking device to exert a clamping force on a carrier element, eliminating the need for additional compensating devices like shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compensating elements like shims are used to attach contact carriers to components of varying thicknesses, then adaptability to different wall thicknesses is improved, but reliability of attachment is worsened due to inadequate fixation and potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The contact carrier employs a dynamic clamping mechanism with movable clamping elements that can shift position to adapt to different wall thicknesses. The clamping elements are connected via a locking device that allows adjustment while maintaining secure attachment, transforming the static shim-based system into a dynamic self-adjusting system that reliably accommodates varying component thicknesses without detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the attachment mechanism from fixed-distance shims to an adjustable clamping system where the distance between clamping elements can be varied. The locking device enables parameter adjustment of the clamping distance to match different wall thicknesses, while maintaining consistent clamping force for reliable attachment across various component geometries
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional compensating devices like shims are employed to accommodate varying thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the compensating function previously requiring separate shim components into the contact carrier body itself. The clamping elements are integrated into the carrier structure, and the locking device combines adjustment and securing functions in a single mechanism, eliminating the need for additional compensating devices while maintaining adaptability to varying thicknesses
Solution Approach 2:
The contact carrier is designed with multi-functional clamping elements that simultaneously provide structural support, thickness compensation, and secure attachment. The locking device serves multiple purposes: adjusting the clamping distance, securing the clamping elements in position, and maintaining attachment force, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A contact carrier includes a carrier body receiving a plurality of contacts and a fastening element fastening the carrier body to a carrier element. The fastening element includes a first clamping element connected to the carrier body, a second clamping element formed on the carrier body in a shiftable manner and opposite the first clamping element, and a locking device locking the second clamping element in a position relative to the first clamping element. A distance between the first clamping element and the second clamping element can be varied by a relative movement of the second clamping element in relation to the first clamping element. The first clamping element and the second clamping element, by the locking device, exert a clamping force onto the carrier element arranged between the first clamping element and the second clamping element to hold the carrier element.