Fastening Element Assembly for Precise Releasable Component Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for connecting components lack a secure and reproducible method for releasable fixation, particularly in applications like vehicle lighting where precise positioning and alignment are critical.

Innovation Solution

A fastening element with a base body featuring a latching element and a receptacle with corresponding shape features, including a support surface merging into a ramp, allows for precise guidance and locking of a second component, enabling defined and reproducible positioning and release of the second component relative to the first component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple connecting element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure and reproducible fixation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure and reproducible fixationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is divided into functionally distinct components: a base body for mounting, a latching element for securing to the first component, and a receptacle for receiving the second component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latching element and receptacle are integrated within the base body structure, with the latching element positioned on one side and the receptacle on the opposite side. This nested arrangement reduces overall complexity by combining multiple fixation functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning features are added to guide the second component, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidguidance structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle incorporates specific geometric features (side boundary walls, rear walls, upper end walls) that create localized guidance zones. These features provide precise positioning in critical areas while leaving other areas of the component simpler in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shape features of the receptacle and second component are designed to automatically guide positioning during assembly without requiring additional active control mechanisms. The geometric constraints self-enforce precise alignment as components are assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a latching mechanism with multiple assembly directions is implemented, then the reliability of fixation is improved, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latching element is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to deform during assembly to accommodate the locking action, then maintain a fixed latched state during operation. The elastic nature enables simple snap-together assembly while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring complex multi-step locking procedures, the design allows assembly in multiple directions (first assembly direction for basic connection, second assembly direction for refined positioning) but simplifies disassembly by allowing release in the opposite direction of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Manufacturing precision

If the support surface and ramp are positioned close to minimize gaps, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap control precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support surface and ramp are pre-positioned on the base body at optimized locations before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures precise gap control is built into the component design itself, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3682127B1Assembly with fastening element for detachably connecting two components

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 VOLKSWAGEN AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening element (10) for detachably connecting two components (12, 14), said fastening element comprising a base body (16) which has at least one latching element (18) for connection to a first component (12). The latching element (18) can be introduced into a corresponding opening (22) in the first component (12) in a first mounting direction (Y). On its side opposing the latching element (18), the base body (16) has a receptacle (20) for at least one portion (26) of a second component (14), wherein the receptacle (20) and the portion (26) have corresponding shape characteristics which take over guidance of the second component (14) in the first mounting direction (Y), in a second mounting direction (X), and in a third mounting direction (Z). The receptacle (20) and the second component (14) have corresponding latching means which detachably fix the second component (14) in the second mounting direction (X).