Motor Vehicle Lamp Axial Fixation via Resilient Locking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fastening methods for motor vehicle lights using ball studs rely heavily on frictional forces in the axial axis, which are insufficient, limiting the securement of the ball stud and preventing increased frictional force without altering the lamp's geometry.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle light with a semi-cylindrical holder containing a resilient securing element featuring a spherical embossing and latching mechanism, where the ball stud is secured between a spherical depression and embossing, utilizing a spring-loaded securing tab and clips to enhance axial fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If ball stud fastening relies on frictional force between ball stud and ball mount, then the structure remains simple, but the axial fixation force is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial fixation forceVSAvoidfastening structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into functional segments: a spherical depression for radial positioning and a separate resilient securing element with spherical embossing for axial fixation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one fixation direction, improving overall fastening performance without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient securing element introduces dynamic characteristics to the fastening system. The spring element can elastically deform during assembly and under load, providing adaptive axial fixation that maintains consistent securing force while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If the mount geometry is altered to increase frictional force, then axial fixation improves, but the lamp component geometry must be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrictional forceVSAvoidlamp component adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The axial fixation function is extracted from the lamp's mount geometry and transferred to a separate resilient securing element. This allows the lamp component to maintain its original geometry while still achieving improved axial fixation through the independently installed spring element with spherical embossing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient securing element acts as an intermediary component between the ball stud and the holder. It provides the necessary axial fixation force through its elastic properties and spherical embossing geometry, eliminating the need to modify the lamp's mount while achieving the desired fixation improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a resilient securing element with spherical embossing is added, then axial securing is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial securing reliabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient securing element combines multiple functions into a single component: the spring element provides elastic axial fixation, the spherical embossing provides precise positioning, and the integrated design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms. This merging improves reliability while minimizing the increase in overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a robust and reliable axial securing mechanism for motor vehicle lights, ensuring proper fixation and preload through the compression of a gasket, enhancing the stability and mounting efficiency of the light fixture.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded securing tab (19) with a spherical embossing (20) on. In the inserted position, the clips (18) snap into the snap-in openings (13) the grooves (12) a, whereby the resilient securing element (16) is fixed against movement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2853757B1Motor vehicle lamp
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 SKODA AUTO AS
  • EP2853757B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2853757B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2853757B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lamp (3) of a motor vehicle, arranged in a molded recess (2) of a body (1) in which at least one ball stud (4) with a stud head (5) and mounting holes (6) is arranged, wherein the lamp (3) has at least one semi-cylindrical holder (8) in which a resilient locking element (16) is arranged, and the ball stud (4) serves to fasten the lamp (3), the stud head (5) of which is arranged between a spherical recess (14) formed on the inner surface of the holder (8) and a spherical indentation (20) formed on the resilient locking element (16). The aforementioned bearing of the stud head (5) of the ball stud (4) provides axial securing of the ball stud (4), whereby the preload generated between the lamp (3) and the body (1) is compensated by the use of a seal (11).