Particulate Filter Connection Device with L-Bracket Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for motor-vehicle components, such as particulate-filter units, face challenges in accommodating dimensional variations due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to complex and stressful assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a connection flange with an eyelet for a main screw, an L-shaped bracket with a bushing, and an auxiliary locking screw, allowing for orthogonal orientations and adjustments to compensate for positional discrepancies, ensuring secure and stress-free attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connection device with a single screw and rigid flange is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate dimensional variations due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to assembly difficulties and forcing stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device transforms the rigid flange-screw assembly into a dynamic system where the L-shaped bracket can rotate and the auxiliary screw can be positioned at different locations. This allows the connection geometry to adapt to dimensional variations in the filter housing while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is segmented into multiple functional components: the main screw for primary attachment, the L-shaped bracket providing geometric flexibility, and the auxiliary screw for fine adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively solving the adaptability problem.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerances are strictly controlled to ensure proper alignment, then assembly is simple, but production costs increase and manufacturing complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection system by introducing the L-shaped bracket with its specific angle and the auxiliary screw positioned at a determined distance from the main screw. These parameter changes create a connection system that is inherently more tolerant of dimensional variations in the filter housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped bracket acts as an intermediary element between the rigid vehicle structure and the filter housing. It mediates the dimensional variations by providing a flexible connection geometry that can accommodate misalignment without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on either side.
3Productivity
If forcing methods are used to achieve proper connection alignment, then assembly can be completed, but harmful stresses are generated on the filter housing and connected parts
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic capability of the L-shaped bracket to rotate and the auxiliary screw to be positioned flexibly allows the connection to be achieved without forcing. The system naturally accommodates dimensional variations, eliminating the need for harmful forcing methods while maintaining assembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device incorporates built-in compliance through the L-shaped bracket geometry and auxiliary screw arrangement that anticipates and cushions against dimensional variations before assembly begins. This prevents the generation of harmful stresses by providing a stress-free path to proper alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-vehicle component, in particular a particulate-filter unit for diesel engines, includes a main body provided with attachments for connection to the structure of the motor vehicle and an additional body connected to said main body and in turn connected to the structure of the motor vehicle by a connection device that is able to compensate for dimensional variations due to manufacturing tolerances.