Deformable Centering Elements for Automotive Trim Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive equipment requires time-consuming adjustments to achieve consistent clearances between components, and the central visible portion is prone to damage during assembly and shipping.
Innovation Solution
An automotive equipment with a central component and a positioning member featuring deformable centering elements that automatically center the central component within the opening, ensuring a constant peripheral clearance and aesthetic alignment, while protecting the component from damage during assembly and shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening methods with oblong slots and screws are used, then the central component can be secured to the peripheral component, but the clearance adjustment becomes time-consuming and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The centering elements automatically center the central component relative to the opening through their deformable structure, eliminating the need for operator adjustment. The elements deform under compression to provide reactive forces that self-center the component, achieving both rapid assembly and consistent clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering elements change their physical state from undeformed to compressed/deformed, allowing them to adapt to the opening dimensions and provide automatic centering. This parameter change enables the system to achieve precise clearance control without manual adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the central component is made visible and accessible, then it can perform its function, but it becomes prone to damage during assembly and shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is installed in advance to protect the central component during shipping and handling. It serves as a protective barrier that prevents damage before the central component is exposed during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional elements: the protective positioning member with centering elements, and the central component. This segmentation allows the positioning member to provide protection and centering functions while the central component remains vulnerable but functional.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of clearances is performed, then consistent peripheral clearance can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The centering elements perform the centering function automatically through their deformable structure, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations. The elements self-adjust to provide consistent clearance without operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering elements act as intermediary components between the central component and the opening, mediating the clearance relationship. They deform to accommodate dimensional variations and maintain consistent clearance automatically.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the positioning member is permanently fixed, then the central component is protected from damage, but it cannot be removed for final assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the positioning member and central component transitions from a fixed state during shipping to a removable state during assembly. The positioning member is initially fixed to provide protection, then can be removed to allow final assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member is temporarily fixed in place to provide protection during shipping and handling, then removed or left in place as a removable element for final assembly. This preliminary fixation provides protection when needed while allowing flexibility when required.
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 rapid and precise assembly with automatic centering, maintaining a consistent and aesthetically pleasing clearance, reducing the risk of damage to the central component and streamlining the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
each centering element being deformable so that the centering elements can cooperate with edges of the opening so as to center the central component with respect to the opening
Data Source
AI summary
This automotive equipment includes: a central component intended to close an opening of a peripheral component with a peripheral clearance, a positioning member having centering elements, the positioning member is removably linked to the central component. The positioning member is arranged so that the centering elements extend at least partially in projection with respect to the central component. Each centering element is deformable so that the centering elements can cooperate with edges of the opening so as to center the central component with respect to the opening.