Electrical Center Mounting Bracket Retention Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mounting systems for bussed electrical centers on vehicles require additional components and processes, increasing cost and complexity due to the need for metallic clips and nuts/bolts, which complicates the mounting operation.
Innovation Solution
A mounting-bracket design featuring a base, sides, retainer, and blocking-device that securely attaches to a mounting-surface using a retention-device with locking-tabs and a mate-assist-device, preventing inward-flexure and removal, thereby reducing the need for additional assembly tools and procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic clips and nuts/bolts are used to fasten the mounting-bracket to the vehicle, then the mounting is durable against shock and vibration, but additional components, cost, and process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting-bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: the bracket body provides structural support, the retention-device creates the mounting connection, and the locking-tabs provide secure attachment to the vehicle. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate metallic clips and nuts/bolts, reducing component count while maintaining mounting durability against shock and vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting-bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the mounting structure, the fastening mechanism, and the securing device. The retention-device with locking-tabs can directly engage with the vehicle mounting surface, replacing multiple specialized components with a single universal mounting solution
2Reliability
If metallic clips and nuts/bolts are used to fasten the mounting-bracket, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional assembly processes and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is simplified by integrating the mounting-bracket as a single molded component rather than assembling multiple metallic parts. The retention-device and locking-tabs are formed as integral features of the bracket body, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting-bracket is designed for self-securing through the retention-device and locking-tabs mechanism. The component automatically engages with the vehicle mounting surface and locks into place without requiring external fasteners or complex assembly tools, making the installation process simpler and more straightforward
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting-bracket configured to attach to a mounting-surface includes a base and sides, a retainer, an electrical-assembly, and a blocking-device. The mounting-surface defines a mounting-hole. The base and sides define a cavity. The base includes a retention-device that extends through the mounting-hole. The retention-device has an inner-surface and an outer-surface. The inner-surface defines an aperture and the outer-surface includes locking-tabs. The retainer is received within the aperture of the retention-device. The retainer has an end and walls generally perpendicular to the end. The walls are in direct contact with the inner-surface and prevent an inward-flexure of the locking-tabs. The electrical-assembly has a lower-surface that is received within the cavity. The blocking-device is in direct contact with the lower-surface of the electrical-assembly and the end of the retainer, thereby preventing a removal of the retainer from the aperture when the electrical-assembly is received within the cavity.