Vehicle Door Alignment System Using Fixed Point Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The precise alignment and installation of vehicle door components, such as paneling and window panes, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, affecting the visual appeal, aerodynamics, and noise reduction of motor vehicles.

Innovation Solution

An alignment system comprising an alignment element and a fixed point structure, like a door lock device, enables self-centering fastening and precise positioning of components, allowing for rapid and uncomplicated installation by using guide elements and latching devices that ensure accurate alignment and permanent fixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional alignment methods are used for installing component parts on vehicle doors, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment element is pre-integrated into the component part during manufacturing, with the alignment protrusion and alignment groove already positioned precisely. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during installation, as the component is designed to self-align with the door lock device upon attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment element acts as an intermediary between the component part and the door lock device. The alignment protrusion on the alignment element fits into the alignment groove of the door lock device, serving as a mediating structure that automatically establishes the correct mounting position and orientation without requiring manual measurement or adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment adjustment is performed to achieve precise mounting position, then component alignment quality improves, but the complexity and time expenditure of the installation process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position accuracyVSAvoidalignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system is designed to be self-aligning through the interaction between the alignment protrusion and alignment groove. When the component part is attached to the door, the alignment element automatically positions itself relative to the door lock device without requiring external alignment tools or manual adjustment, making the system self-sufficient and simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10350975B2Vehicle component
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • US10350975B2 patent drawing
  • US10350975B2 patent drawing
  • US10350975B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle component (1) has a component part (2) for arranging on a vehicle door (10) of a motor vehicle (100). An alignment system (3) with an alignment element (4) and with a fixed point structure (5) is arranged on the vehicle door (10) for aligning the component part (2) in a defined mounting position. The alignment element (4) comprises a first connecting portion (14) for fastening to the fixed point structure (5) and a second connecting portion (24) for fastening the component part (2). Starting from the fixed point structure (5), the component part (2) is thereby positionable in the defined mounting position by the alignment element (4). The fixed point structure (5) is a door lock device (6), and the component part (2) is a paneling component part (7) of the vehicle door (10).