Elastomer Snap-Fit Mount With Compression Locking for NVH Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snap connections for motor vehicles face challenges in balancing easy assembly and disassembly with reliable holding, while also providing effective vibration isolation and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) behavior.
Innovation Solution
A snap connection design featuring an elastomer connector with a compression geometry and a rest bar, where the elastomer connector has grooves and cavities to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly, and the rest bar has a higher rigidity to ensure a secure hold, while also incorporating features like sloping rest contours and a gripping area to enhance disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap-in connection with many clips is used, then reliable mounting is achieved, but disassembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two distinct components: a rigid locking pin for secure mounting and a separate elastomer connector for easy release. The locking pin contains the locking contours that provide reliable mounting, while the elastomer connector with its compression geometry enables simple disassembly through compressive motion, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and easy release.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using conventional snap-in connections where release requires excessive force, this invention inverts the mechanism by using compression of the elastomer connector to facilitate release. The compression geometry is designed specifically to enable easy disassembly through a simple compressive motion, making the release action simpler than the engagement action.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elastomeric materials are used for vibration isolation, then NVH behavior is optimized, but assembly and disassembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer connector is designed with localized compression geometry at specific regions to enable easy release, while other regions maintain elastomeric properties for vibration isolation. The compression geometry creates a localized deformation zone that facilitates release without compromising the overall vibration damping capabilities of the elastomeric material.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer connector utilizes dynamic compression and recovery properties to enable easy disassembly. During assembly, the elastomer deforms elastically to accommodate the locking pin. During disassembly, compressive motion dynamically changes the elastomer's geometry to release the locking engagement, maintaining vibration isolation while enabling simple operation.
3Reliability
If the locking pin is made rigid for secure holding, then mounting reliability is improved, but the connection becomes harder to release
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer connector serves as an intermediary between the rigid locking pin and the component to be secured. It mediates the contradiction by providing a compliant element that enables easy release through compression, while the rigid locking pin maintains secure holding. The elastomer acts as a flexible interface that simplifies the release mechanism without compromising the rigidity needed for reliable mounting.
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 simple and tool-free assembly and disassembly, while maintaining a secure hold and improving NVH behavior through effective vibration damping, thus addressing the conflicts of easy maintenance and reliable bracket performance.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer connector has a compression geometry which is designed to compress when the locking pin is pulled counter to the insertion direction and thereby harden the elastomer connector in the region of the at least one first locking contour
Implementation Method 2
The elastomer dampens vibrations, which improves the NVH behavior of a suitably equipped vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A snap-fit connection of a motor vehicle component bearing is described, comprising an elastomer connector and a locking pin, wherein the elastomer connector has at least one first groove on its outer surface, which is provided for fixing to a retaining structure, wherein the elastomer connector has a cavity or through-hole, wherein the cavity or through-hole has at least one first locking contour, wherein the locking pin has at least one second locking contour, wherein the locking pin can be inserted into the cavity or through-hole in an insertion direction and can be locked in place by the interaction of the at least one first locking contour and at least one second locking contour, wherein the elastomer connector has a compression geometry which is configured to compress when the locking pin is pulled against the insertion direction and thereby harden the elastomer connector in the region of the at least one first locking contour.