Exterior Component Attachment Method Using Temporary Fixation and Marking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching exterior vehicle components to bumpers require complex processes, increased time, and higher costs due to the need for external pressure and complicated joining tools, which can lead to inaccuracies and increased man-hours.

Innovation Solution

A method involving temporary fixation using attachment members, marking, and subsequent precise hole boring to facilitate accurate attachment without detaching the bumper, utilizing multiple through-holes for temporary and final fixing, and incorporating an elastic seal for waterproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the exterior component is pressedly-contacted by the bumper with pressure applied from the outside to scratch markings, then the attaching location accuracy is improved, but the working process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattaching location accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper surface is pre-treated with a coating layer that has different erasability characteristics. The coating allows easy marking during the attaching process without requiring complex pressing mechanisms, and can be easily removed afterward. This preliminary preparation of the surface enables simple marking operations while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical pressing system is replaced by a chemical/coating-based marking system. Instead of applying pressure from outside to scratch markings, the invention uses a coating layer on the bumper surface that can be easily marked with minimal force, eliminating the need for complex pressing mechanisms and reducing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the exterior component is pressedly-contacted by the bumper with pressure applied from the outside to scratch markings, then the attaching location accuracy is improved, but the attaching time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattaching location accuracyVSAvoidattaching speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper surface is pre-coated with a special coating layer before the attaching process. This preliminary action enables fast marking without requiring time-consuming pressing operations, as the coating allows markings to be made easily and quickly during the attaching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The time-consuming mechanical pressing and scratching process is replaced by a coating-based system that allows rapid marking. The coating layer enables markings to be made with minimal force and in minimal time, significantly improving attaching speed while maintaining location accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a joining implement is used to attach the exterior component after marking, then the attaching function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattaching functionVSAvoidjoining implement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex joining implement is replaced by extracting and using only the essential attachment members that are already part of the bumper structure. The invention utilizes the existing attachment members for both marking and attaching functions, eliminating the need for separate complex joining implements and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment members are designed to serve multiple functions: they are used for temporarily fixing the exterior component during marking, and then for final attaching after the coating dries. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate joining implements, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable attaching function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the bumper is detached to attach the exterior component, then the attaching process is simplified, but the working time is increased and the bumper must be reattached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattaching process simplicityVSAvoidtotal working time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper surface is pre-coated with a special coating layer that enables easy marking and temporary fixing. This preliminary preparation allows the exterior component to be attached directly to the bumper without detaching it, as the coating provides sufficient holding capability during the marking and attaching process, eliminating the need for bumper detachment and reattachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coating layer acts as an intermediary substance between the bumper and the exterior component during the attaching process. It provides temporary adhesion that allows marking and positioning without requiring bumper detachment, while not interfering with the final attaching process. This intermediary enables the entire process to be completed with the bumper in place, reducing total working time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8898878B2Method for attaching exterior component
Publication Date: 2014.12.02 HONDA ACCESS CORP
  • US8898878B2 patent drawing
  • US8898878B2 patent drawing
  • US8898878B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a method for attaching an exterior component. When attaching an exterior component to a bumper, an attachment member for a first attaching hole of the bumper fixed to the vehicular main body is detached, and then the attachment member is inserted into a first through-hole of the exterior component and the first attaching hole and fixed, thereby temporarily fixing the exterior component. A marking is put on a temporarily fixed portion where a second through-hole faces the bumper, and the exterior component is temporarily detached. A third attaching hole is formed by boring a hole in the marking of the bumper, and then a well nut is fitted into the exterior component, enabling the exterior component to be attached through the first and second through-holes. Accordingly, the marking and positioning of the exterior component can be easily performed without detaching the bumper.