Vehicle Latch Fastener With External Tool-Guided Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for motor vehicle components, especially in the engine compartment, are cumbersome to access and unlock, leading to potential tool slippage and difficulty in assembly, as they require two hands and can be time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a locking element that can be elastically bent and features a recess and actuating section accessible from the outside, combined with a guide means for tool guidance, allowing for easy unlocking and preventing tool loss, featuring a dome-like elevation and guide shaft for secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking element is designed to be accessible from the outside, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for openings and guide means
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means is integrated within the receiving unit structure, with the guide shaft nested inside the dome-like elevation. The opening is formed as part of the receiving unit's housing structure, allowing the actuating section to be accessible while maintaining a compact integrated design that minimizes overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means acts as an intermediary element that facilitates tool access to the actuating section. The guide shaft provides a controlled path for the tool, mediating between the external access opening and the internal locking mechanism, thereby simplifying the unlocking operation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking element is made elastically bendable, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element's material properties and geometric parameters are optimized to achieve the desired elastic behavior. The cross-sectional shape, wall thickness, and overall geometry are designed to provide sufficient elastic flexibility for locking/unlocking operations while maintaining resistance to permanent deformation under normal operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving unit includes a stop that limits the deflection of the locking element during unlocking operations. This stop prevents excessive bending that could cause plastic deformation, thereby protecting the locking element's reliability while allowing sufficient elastic movement for proper operation.
3Ease of operation
If the recess extends continuously transversely to the joining direction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is segmented into different portions with different functional requirements. The guide portion that receives the tool has precise dimensional requirements, while other portions of the recess can have more relaxed tolerances. This segmentation allows the critical areas to meet precision requirements without unnecessarily increasing manufacturing difficulty across the entire recess structure.
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
Simplifies the detachment of components, enhances accessibility, and prevents tool loss by allowing external actuation and secure tool guidance, reducing the risk of accidental drops and plastic deformation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking element (4) that is or can be secured to a first component (6), that is at least limitedly elastically bendable transversely to a joining direction (8)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing device (2) for securing two components, in particular of a motor vehicle, against each other, comprising at least one latch element (4) that is secured or can be secured to a first component (6), is elastically flexible at least to a limited degree transversely to a joining direction (8), comprises an actuation section (10), which can be actuated at least transversely to the joining direction (8), at the free end facing away from the first component (6), and comprises at least one recess (12) extending transversely to the joining direction (8) between the actuation section (10) and the first component (6); and comprising at least one receiving unit (14) that is secured or can be secured to a second component (16) and comprises at least one locking nose (18) which extends transversely to the joining direction (8), on which the latch element (4) can be deflected along the joining direction (8) or transversely or diagonally to the joining direction (8) upon joining, and which is arranged in the recess (12) of the latch element (4) in a joined final position of the latch element (4), thereby forming an undercut with respect to the joining direction (8), comprising at least one opening (20) that can be accessed from the outside and extends transversely or diagonally to the joining direction (8), wherein the actuation section (10) of the latch element (4) can be accessed from the outside through said opening at least in the joined final position.