Fastening Element With Toothed Strap For Paint Thickness Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening methods for decorative elements in motor vehicles face challenges such as slippage during adhesive hardening, undefined installation positions due to play in clip connections, and difficulties in attaching components with varying paint thicknesses, leading to gaps and complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with an adjustable latching mechanism that compensates for different paint thicknesses, allowing for precise alignment and easy assembly/disassembly, featuring a fastening strap with a specific toothed structure and flexible locking tab, enabling secure attachment without significant bending of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gluing is used to attach decorative elements, then the decorative element can be attached to the vehicle body, but the decorative element may shift before adhesive hardening and cannot be properly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a positioning function before the final bonding occurs. The adhesive carrier element includes a positioning element that engages with a corresponding positioning structure on the vehicle body, establishing the correct position before the adhesive fully hardens. This allows the decorative element to be temporarily held in the correct alignment during the adhesive setting process.
2Manufacturing precision
If clip connections are used to attach decorative elements, then the decorative element can be attached to the vehicle body, but the clearance between clip and opening prevents precise installation position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a positioning element as a mediator between the adhesive carrier element and the vehicle body. This positioning element fills the clearance gap that would otherwise prevent precise positioning in clip connections. The positioning element engages with a corresponding structure on the vehicle body to establish the exact installation position before the adhesive bonding occurs.
3Reliability
If conventional fastening methods are used, then decorative elements can be attached, but gaps occur when paint thicknesses vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the adhesive carrier element adjustable in position. The adhesive carrier element can be positioned at different locations on the decorative element depending on the paint thickness variation. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to varying paint thicknesses while maintaining reliable connection and preventing gaps.
4Manufacturing precision
If material removal is used to achieve exact connection position, then high precision positioning is achieved, but the connection cannot be undone without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of material removal with an adhesive bonding system. Instead of permanently removing material to create connection positions, the invention uses adhesive carrier elements with positioning features that temporarily establish precise positions during assembly. The adhesive then provides the permanent bonding, allowing for easier disassembly and repair compared to material removal methods.
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 enables reliable, efficient, and cost-effective attachment of decorative elements on motor vehicles with varying paint thicknesses, reducing assembly time and forces required, while ensuring secure and gap-free connections.
Implementation Method 1
the locking tab (7) is flexibly molded onto the component
Implementation Method 2
featuring a fastening strap with a specific toothed structure and flexible locking tab, enabling secure attachment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The connecting element is provided for connecting two plastic components (1,5) in motor vehicle. The component (5) is partially provided with lacquer layer (6) and opening (11) for receiving fastening strap (2) of component (1). A tooth system is projected over surface of fastening strap along length (L1), and locked laterally into the opening of component (5) by using latching units (7-9).