Integrated Joining Element for Motor Vehicle Flap Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component connection methods require additional joining elements and components, leading to increased complexity, weight, and potential safety issues in applications like motor vehicle flaps and gas-filled spring systems.
Innovation Solution
A joining element with a pivot bearing and direct connection mechanism that eliminates the need for additional components by providing a pivotable and directly fixed connection between components, using a ball-and-socket joint and aligning mechanisms for precise positioning, and featuring a clamp for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional joining elements and components are used for connecting components, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pivot bearing and connection elements into a single integrated joining element. The first component is pivotally mounted directly on the joining element while the joining element itself is fixed to the second component, eliminating the need for separate fixing means, screws, angle plates, and holders. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pivotable mounting for the first component, provides direct fixing to the second component, absorbs occurring loads, and enables cardanic mobility. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components while maintaining reliable connections.
2Strength
If additional joining elements and components are used for connecting components, then the connection strength is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pivot bearing and connection functions into a single joining element, the patent eliminates redundant components and their associated weight. The integrated design maintains connection strength through the unified structure while removing the weight of separate fixing means, screws, angle plates, and holders.
3Reliability
If additional components are used for connecting components, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single joining element that can be manufactured as one integrated component. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate parts (fixing means, screws, angle plates, holders), reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable connections through the integrated design.
4Manufacturing precision
If additional components are used for connecting components, then the connection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joining element provides precise positioning through its integrated design that combines pivotable mounting with direct fixing capability. The aligning mechanisms are incorporated into the single joining element structure, providing precise alignment without requiring additional separate alignment components, thus maintaining connection precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
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
This solution simplifies the connection process, reduces weight, enhances safety by improving passive pedestrian impact protection, and allows for cardanic mobility, enabling efficient power assistance in motor vehicle applications without additional parts.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot bearing together with a ball socket is designed as a ball-and-socket joint for fixing and mounting a ball of the first component and/or of the joining element
Implementation Method 2
the pivot bearing has a clamp, which can be pushed into the joining element, for fixing the ball in the ball socket
Implementation Method 3
the aligning mechanism can advantageously be designed in such a manner that the correct position is set automatically during fitting and/or afterwards, for example by means of a form-fitting connection
Data Source
AI summary
A joining element for connecting a first component to a second component, wherein the joining element includes a connection member for the pivotable mounting of the first component, and part of the connection member is receivable in at least one aperture of the second component in a predetermined orientation. A fixing mechanism is provided for directly fixing the connection member to the second component when the part of the connection member received in the aperture.