Vehicle Accessory Fixing Assembly for Precise Dashboard Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing assemblies for vehicle accessories in passenger compartments face challenges in maintaining accurate relative positioning between the frame and support element during screwing operations, leading to non-compliance with design tolerances and affecting the quality and aesthetics of the dashboard.
Innovation Solution
A fixing assembly that utilizes a support element and frame with a pin-and-opening mechanism and snap-fitting system to achieve precise positioning, allowing rotation and elastic deformation to ensure accurate alignment and secure attachment, thereby maintaining design tolerances and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the frame and support element are fixed by screwing operations, then the relative positioning can be adjusted, but the forces involved and operator inaccuracies alter the position of mechanical references within the ideal reference system, resulting in non-compliance with design tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning actions through mechanical references (protrusions and recesses) that establish the correct relative position between the frame and support element before final fixing. The pin inserted into the opening initially guides the frame to the precise position, and only afterward are screws tightened to secure this pre-established position, preventing any alteration of mechanical references during the fixing process.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical references are provided to guide the operator during fixing, then the ideal reference system for relative positioning is established, but the forces and inaccuracies during screwing operations alter the position of these mechanical references
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pin as an intermediary element that mediates between the frame and support element during assembly. The pin inserted into the opening acts as a temporary guide that maintains the correct relative positioning without being subjected to the forces of screwing operations. This intermediary protects the mechanical references (protrusions and recesses) from displacement while still providing guidance to the operator.
3Strength
If the frame is rigidly coupled to the support element, then the accessory is securely fixed, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The mechanical references (protrusions and recesses) are integrated directly into the frame and support element structures, eliminating the need for separate alignment fixtures. The pin serves both as a positioning guide and as a component that becomes part of the final assembled structure, reducing the total number of discrete parts while maintaining secure coupling.
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 enables easy, quick, and precise assembly that respects design tolerances, reducing the risk of operator inaccuracies and maintaining the relative positioning between the frame and support element, ensuring the quality and aesthetics of the dashboard.
Implementation Method 1
a approach opening formed in the support element and an elastomeric element arranged on the frame and having a snap fitting with the support element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fixing assembly (1) has a support element (2) adapted to be fixed to a component of a vehicle, and a frame (3) adapted to support an accessory (60) in a fixed relative position and connected to the support element (2) in a fixed position; the support element (2) has two openings (6) which are engaged by respective protruding pins (7) of the frame (3) so as to allow a rotation of the frame (3) towards the support element (2) during a mounting step in which the protruding pins (7) are inserted in the openings (6); a snap fitting (8) prevents the displacement of the frame (3) at the end of the aforementioned rotation, and then blocking devices (9), of the screw type, secure the frame (3) in a stable position; the snap fitting (8) has an elastically deformable element (14) which is snap-fitted to a retention shoulder (12) and forms part of a portion made of polymeric or elastomeric material of one between the support element (2) and the frame (3).