Motor Vehicle Door Connecting Element with Nested Crossbar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for mechanical connections, such as those in motor vehicle doors, are time-consuming to assemble due to the need for precise alignment in restricted spaces and are prone to being lost, as they protrude significantly during preassembly, limiting assembly freedom.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element design where the crossbar is initially positioned within the aperture of the first component, allowing for easier alignment and assembly without obstruction, with latching mechanisms to secure it in place and prevent loss, enabling a secure and tool-free final assembly position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting element is designed to protrude significantly during preassembly to enable secure positioning, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the assembly freedom is reduced and the connecting element is prone to being lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into functionally distinct segments: a bearing collar for positioning on the first component, a shaft section for rotation, and a crossbar with bearing flanks for connection to the second component. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while reducing interference during assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element utilizes angular/rotational dimension in addition to linear positioning. The element is inserted axially into the aperture and then rotated into the final assembly position, transforming a purely linear assembly operation into a combined linear-rotational operation. This dimensional change enables compact preassembly positioning while maintaining full assembly freedom.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting element is inserted through aligned apertures in restricted spaces without direct sight, then the assembly versatility is improved, but the assembly time increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing collar is designed to engage with the first component during the preassembly position, performing the positioning function before the final connection is made. This preliminary positioning action ensures correct alignment is achieved even in restricted spaces without direct sight, reducing the time and complexity of the subsequent final assembly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simplified aperture-based guidance system. The apertures in the components provide inherent mechanical guidance for the shaft section, eliminating the need for additional alignment mechanisms or tools during assembly in restricted spaces.
3Ease of operation
If the crossbar is supported on the first component in the preassembly position, then the assembly freedom is improved, but the connecting element protrudes considerably out of the aperture causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar with bearing flanks is nested within the aperture of the first component during the preassembly position. This nesting arrangement allows the connecting element to maintain assembly freedom without protruding considerably outward, thereby eliminating interference with surrounding components while still enabling easy assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting element for the mechanical connection of at least two components, in particular two components of a motor vehicle door, with a bearing collar for bearing against a first component, with a crossbar that has bearing flanks for bearing against a second component and for clamping the latter against the first component in a rotated final assembly position, and with a shaft section, which bears the crossbar, for rotatably passing through corresponding openings in the components. In this case, a means is provided for fastening to the first component in a defined preassembly position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding connecting arrangement comprising at least two components each having an aperture, and a connecting element of this type, with the connecting element being held on the first component in a preassembly position.