Latching Component Assembly for Precise Vehicle Body Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection methods for vehicle body components, such as blind rivets and self-piercing rivets, incur high tooling and element costs, and there is a need for improved accuracy of fit.
Innovation Solution
A component assembly with a first, dimensionally stable component featuring diametrically offset latching lugs that integrate with cutouts in a flexible second component, allowing for precise positioning without additional tools or elements, enhanced by a right-angled transition and adhesive fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connecting methods (blind rivets, self-piercing rivets, flow drill screws) are used to connect vehicle body components, then reliable connection is achieved, but high tooling costs and high connecting element costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting function directly into the component structures themselves. The first component integrates latching lugs as part of its body, and the second component integrates corresponding cutouts and latching contours. This eliminates the need for separate connecting elements (rivets, screws) and complex tooling, while maintaining reliable mechanical connection through the integrated latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements (latching lugs and cutouts) are self-forming and self-assembling. The flexible second component is pushed onto the dimensionally stable first component, causing the latching lugs to automatically engage with the cutouts and form the connection without requiring external tools or additional connecting elements. The system serves itself by using the components' own structural features for connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional connection methods are used, then components are joined, but accuracy of fit is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating highly precise geometric features (latching lugs with right-angled transitions and corresponding cutouts) at specific locations on the components. These localized features provide exact positional fixation and high accuracy of fit, while the rest of the component structures can maintain their overall simplicity. The precision is concentrated where needed for connection rather than requiring high precision throughout the entire assembly system.
3Ease of operation
If the second component is pushed onto the first component for assembly, then connection is achieved, but material flexibility requirements may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the second component with time-dependent mechanical properties. During the assembly process (pushing operation), the material exhibits flexible, elastic behavior to allow deformation and engagement. Once assembled, the material transitions to a rigid, stable state that provides structural strength. This dynamic behavior enables the component to adapt its properties based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the material properties of the second component. The material is selected or treated to have different mechanical parameters under different conditions: higher flexibility during assembly (pushing onto the first component) and higher strength during service. This allows the same component to satisfy both assembly ease and structural strength requirements through parameter variation.
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
Ensures precise fit and stability with reduced costs by integrating latching features into the components, enabling easy assembly and adhesive bonding without tensile stress.
Implementation Method 1
the joining partner pushes the sheet-metal web, with the formation of an elastic restoring force, into an unlocking position
Data Source
AI summary
A component assembly consists of a first, largely dimensionally stable component having at least two latching protrusions, which are largely diametrically opposed to each other and by which a second, flexible component can be positioned. The second component has cutouts corresponding to the latching protrusions. In an assembled end position, the latching protrusions are positionally fixed in the cutouts. At least one latching protrusion transitions, at the front and at the rear with respect to a positioning direction, into the first component at a largely right angle. Because of the design, very accurate positional fixing between the first component and the second component is possible.