Vehicle Hitch Crosspiece Spacer Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling systems for motor vehicles have low mounting tolerance, leading to increased assembly time on the factory line and reduced mechanical strength due to misalignment and fewer fasteners, which complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with two connecting arms and a crosspiece, where the crosspiece is mounted using spacers that allow adjustment in two directions (Y and Z axes) to compensate for dispersion, enabling separate assembly of the connecting arms and crosspiece, thereby improving tolerance and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the coupling system is assembled as a single unit, then the mechanical strength is maintained, but the assembly time increases and mounting tolerance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two independent parts: a first part secured to the vehicle body and a second part containing the attachment point. This segmentation allows each part to be assembled separately and quickly, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining structural integrity through the connection between parts.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting arm serves as an intermediary element between the first part (secured to the body) and the second part (containing the attachment point). This intermediary component facilitates the connection while allowing for tolerance compensation, enabling faster assembly without compromising mechanical strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coupling system is divided into two independent parts, then the assembly tolerance is increased, but the mechanical strength is reduced due to fewer fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arm is designed with spatial orientation capabilities, allowing it to accommodate tolerance variations in multiple dimensions. The arm can be oriented at different angles and positions to compensate for mounting tolerances while maintaining sufficient fastener engagement to preserve mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting arm's geometric parameters (length, angle, position) can be adjusted to compensate for tolerance variations in the assembly. By changing these parameters, the system accommodates mounting tolerances while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength through proper fastener selection and arrangement.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connecting arms are misaligned, then the assembly complexity increases, but the mounting tolerance is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arm is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to be positioned and oriented during assembly to accommodate misalignment between the first and second parts. This dynamic positioning reduces assembly complexity by providing flexibility in alignment rather than requiring precise pre-alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting arm is pre-configured with mounting features and orientation capabilities that facilitate easy alignment during assembly. By preparing the connecting arm in advance with appropriate geometric features, the system reduces the complexity of on-site alignment while maintaining increased mounting tolerance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a hitching system (5) comprising: - two connection arms (6) suitable for being attached to the side members (4) of a body of a motor vehicle, and - one cross member (7) comprising a beam (8), connected to the body by said arms. The invention is characterized in that the cross member (7) comprises, at each end of the beam (8), at least one plate (15) for connecting said cross member (7) to a connection plate (23) of a connection arm (6) by means of a spacer (14).