Inclined Wedge Edge Alignment for Vehicle Flap Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking wedge systems for coupling vehicle flaps to structural parts of a vehicle body lack efficient mechanisms to ensure proper alignment and secure coupling, especially when the vehicle door is hanging obliquely, and do not provide adequate protection against dirt ingress.
Innovation Solution
A locking wedge system with inclined wedge edges and grooves, a displacement unit formed by strip-shaped lamellar elements connected via a spring or elastic central element, and guide rails that allow the displacement unit to fan out or fold, ensuring proper alignment and secure coupling while preventing dirt entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking wedge module is pushed into the holding jaw module during door closing, then the displacement unit should automatically open to allow insertion, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement unit is designed as a dynamic structure with lamellar elements that can pivot between closed and open positions. The guide rails provide guided motion paths that enable the displacement unit to automatically transition from a closed protective position to an open insertion position during door closing, and back to closed during door opening, without requiring complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement unit is segmented into multiple lamellar elements that can move independently along guided paths. This segmentation allows the displacement unit to flexibly open and close while maintaining structural integrity, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to a monolithic moving structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the displacement unit bridges the holding jaws in closed position, then protection against dirt ingress is improved, but the insertion space for the locking wedge module is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement unit dynamically transitions between two states: in the closed state, it bridges the holding jaws to protect against dirt ingress; in the open state, it moves along the guide rails to create sufficient insertion space for the locking wedge module. This dynamic behavior allows the system to alternately provide protection and access without permanent compromise to either function
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement unit is positioned in the closed protective state during normal operation to prevent dirt ingress. Before insertion is required, it preliminarily opens along the guide rails to create the necessary insertion space, ensuring that protection is maintained whenever possible while enabling access when needed
3Ease of operation
If the wedge edges and grooves are designed to run inclined relative to the axis of symmetry, then alignment during door closing is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined wedge edges and grooves are designed with matching angles that create a self-aligning mechanism. When the door closes, the inclined surfaces naturally guide the locking wedge module into the correct position along the axis of symmetry, similar to how equipotential surfaces guide flow. This self-aligning design compensates for minor manufacturing variations and reduces the need for extremely high precision manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge surfaces are deliberately designed with asymmetric inclination relative to the axis of symmetry. This asymmetric geometry creates a mechanical guidance system where the inclined surfaces interact to automatically center and align the locking wedge module during closing, transforming a potential alignment problem into a self-correcting mechanical feature
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 system automatically aligns the vehicle door when closing, maintains a secure frictional connection, and prevents dirt from entering the locking mechanism, enhancing the structural integrity and operational reliability of the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
the displacement unit is formed with a spring element with which the lamellar elements are fanned out when moving from the open position between the guide rails into the closed position between the holding jaws
Implementation Method 2
by moving the locking wedges apart a frictional connection between the locking wedges and the retaining jaws is made
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking wedge system (1) for releasably coupling a vehicle flap (11) to a structural part (12) of a vehicle body, comprising a locking wedge module (2) with two locking wedges (2.1, 2.2), which are mounted displaceably with respect to one another, with a respective wedge edge (2.10, 2.20) and with a locking wedge holder (2.3) for displaceably receiving the locking wedges (2.1, 2.2), and a holding jaw module (3) with two holding jaws (3.1, 3.2), which receive the locking wedge module (2) between them, with a respective wedge groove (3.11, 3.21), wherein a force fit is produced between the locking wedges (2.1, 2.2) and the holding jaws (3.1, 3.2) by moving the locking wedges (2.1, 2.2) apart. According to the invention, there is provision that a wedge edge (2.10, 2.20) of at least one locking wedge (2.1, 2.2) and the wedge groove (3.11, 3.21) of a holding jaw (3.1, 3.2) that receives said wedge edge (2.10, 2.20) are designed to extend at an inclination with respect to an axis of symmetry (S) of the locking wedges (2.1, 2.2) and the holding jaws (3.1, 3.2).