Mounting Structure for Irregular Contour Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting parts into openings with irregular contours result in imprecise centering and unreliable assembly due to machining errors, particularly in milling processes, leading to potential assembly risks and reduced quality.

Innovation Solution

A parts mounting structure featuring a retaining element with a head and rod, incorporating an elastic clip with hooking claws that engage with offset ribs inside the opening, ensuring precise centering and secure attachment, even in irregularly shaped openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If openings are made by machining (milling), then the opening can be created in the base part, but the outline becomes imprecise and centering is only approximate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to create openingVSAvoidoutline precision and centering accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary centering element that mediates between the imprecise machined opening and the part requiring precise centering. This element provides reference surfaces that enable accurate positioning without requiring the opening itself to be precisely machined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a copy or replica of the precise geometric features needed for centering, embedded within the retaining element. Rather than requiring the opening to have precise geometry, the precise features are copied into the retaining element itself, which then transfers this precision to the assembled part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If openings with irregular contours are used, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibility for irregular shapesVSAvoidassembly precision and reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing precise centering features only at specific locations within the retaining element, rather than requiring the entire opening to have precise geometry. The irregular contour of the opening is acceptable because precision is localized to the centering surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining element is pre-equipped with precise geometric features and centering surfaces before assembly. This preliminary preparation of precision features in the retaining element compensates for the imprecision of the irregular opening, ensuring reliable assembly without requiring the opening to be precisely formed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables robust and precise mounting of parts by adapting to irregular contours, ensuring correct alignment and secure fastening, thereby enhancing assembly reliability and quality.

Implementation Method 1

un elastique (18) capable de se déformer en avant et en arrière dans un plan perpendiculaire au sens longitudinal de la tige (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3209894B1Arrangement of a structure for mounting a part in an opening with an irregular contour
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3209894B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3209894B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a structure for mounting parts comprising a holder component (1) comprising a head (15) and a shank (16) in which is provided a recess (17) for engaging an elastic component (18) comprising a hook (19) for hooking into the recessed part (17) of the holder component (1), the holder component (1) being intended to be locked in the opening (13) in a visible part (14) in order to secure it. The invention is characterized in that the opening (13) in the visible part (14) has hook components (22) inside the edge (22a) of the opening (13).