Integrated Centering Pin for Reliable Motor Vehicle Switches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for motor vehicle switching systems have complex designs with multiple movable parts, which can lead to malfunctions due to dirt and increased assembly efforts, and require separate centering devices that can be prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A simplified holding device design where the centering device is integrated as a single piece with the pin, made of plastic, featuring equidistant lugs or tabs for precise centering within the holder, eliminating the need for separate connections and reducing the number of movable parts, thus minimizing assembly complexity and potential malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate centering device (slotted ring) is used to center the pin in the holder, then centering precision is improved, but device complexity increases and the number of movable parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is merged with the pin to form a single integrated component. The pin now includes integrated centering elements (such as centering lugs or centering surfaces) that directly engage with the holder, eliminating the need for a separate slotted ring centering device. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining centering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the detent element (with spring force) and the centering element (with integrated centering features). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated centering components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate centering device (slotted ring) is used to center the pin in the holder, then centering precision is improved, but the number of movable parts increases leading to more potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is merged with the pin to form a single integrated component. The pin now includes integrated centering elements (such as centering lugs or centering surfaces) that directly engage with the holder, eliminating the need for a separate slotted ring centering device. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining centering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate slotted ring centering device is extracted/removed from the system. Instead, centering functionality is achieved through integrated features on the pin itself, eliminating a potential source of malfunction while maintaining centering precision.
3Ease of operation
If a slotted ring centering device is used with angled contact contours, then centering function is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is merged with the pin to form a single integrated component. The pin now includes integrated centering elements (such as centering lugs or centering surfaces) that directly engage with the holder, eliminating the need for a separate slotted ring centering device. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining centering functionality.
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 integrated centering device ensures precise and secure centering of the pin within the holder, reducing the risk of malfunctions and assembly errors, while minimizing the number of parts and design complexities, ensuring reliable operation even under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
Its cylindrical body allows the pin to be slidably mounted in a receptacle of a holder and is subjected to spring force in the axial direction by means of a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
The slotted ring, designed as a centering device, rests with an angled contact contour against a complementary angled contact contour of the pin, thus holding the pin centered in the receptacle of the holding device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a retaining device (10) comprising a) a holder (2) that includes a receptacle (1), b) a spring-biased pin (4) which is guided so as to be longitudinally movable in the receptacle (1) of the holder (2) and which includes a pin head (3) that protrudes from the receptacle (1) of the holder (2), c) a centering mechanism (5) which is stationarily arranged on the pin (4) and is provided with a restoring force within the receptacle (1) of the holder (2), said restoring force being directed against the holder (2).