Vehicle Control Module Clamping Tabs for Variable-Height Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening arrangements for electromechanical functional elements in vehicle control modules require precise positioning and cannot accommodate elements with varying structural heights, limiting their applicability and stability.
Innovation Solution
The use of clamping tabs on a pressure plate, angled towards the carrier plate, which are plastically or elastically deformed to secure elements of varying heights, eliminating the need for precise positioning and ensuring a defined contact pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping elements are realized as flat centering regions surrounded by plastically deformable edge elements, then functional elements can be fixed to the carrier plate, but the centering regions must be precisely positioned and all functional elements must be of largely the same structural height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the clamping elements by angling them toward the carrier plate and positioning them at openings rather than as flat centering regions. This allows the clamping elements to accommodate variations in functional element heights while maintaining reliable fixation, eliminating the need for precise positioning of flat centering regions.
2Reliability
If clamping elements are realized as flat centering regions with plastically deformable edge elements, then functional elements can be secured, but the edge elements have limited deformation capability requiring all functional elements to be of largely the same structural height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic clamping elements (angled clamping tabs) that can adapt their position and deformation to accommodate functional elements of varying heights. Unlike static flat centering regions, the angled tabs can be plastically or elastically deformed to different extents, providing versatility for securing elements with different structural heights while maintaining secure fixation.
3Ease of manufacture
If spacers have height less than structural height of functional elements, then pressure plate can be mounted on spacers, but deformable edge elements must be plastically and elastically deformed which limits their deformation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal deformation (flat centering regions deforming sideways) to vertical deformation (angled clamping tabs deforming downward toward the carrier plate). This dimensional change allows the clamping elements to utilize their full deformation capability effectively, accommodating height variations without being constrained by the limited lateral deformation capacity of edge elements.
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 allows for secure fixation of elements with different heights without precise alignment, enhancing stability and reliability while accommodating varying tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping tabs are plastically and/or elastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
the clamping tabs are plastically and/or elastically deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A control module of a vehicle includes a plurality of electromechanical functional elements arranged on a carrier plate and fixed in an interlocking and force-fitting manner to the carrier plate by clamping elements. The clamping elements are formed on a pressure plate that is secured to spacers of the carrier plate. To simplify production and fitting of the pressure plate provided with the clamping elements and to be able to use them with functional elements having different structural heights, the spacers have a slightly greater height than the structural height of the highest functional element. The pressure plate, for each of the functional elements, has at least one clamping element in the form of a clamping tab. The clamping tabs are each arranged at an opening in the pressure plate, which opening is partially closed by the clamping tabs, and are angled toward the carrier plate.