Motor Vehicle Lighting Device Clamping Element Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle lighting devices face challenges with large space requirements and risk of damage due to torque and stress peaks from traditional screw connections during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lighting device using a two-legged, U-shaped clamping element for a non-positive and positive connection between components, allowing assembly with transverse movement and reducing the risk of distortion or damage by using a clamping element that is elastically deformed to press components together, with engagement elements and recesses for secure form-fitting connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to connect components, then a secure connection is achieved, but large installation space is required and torque/stress peaks occur during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a clamping element with two legs that can be assembled separately from the components. The clamping element is inserted through both components and then closed to apply clamping force, eliminating the need for large-scale rotational assembly movements and reducing installation space requirements while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded fasteners that require rotational tightening movements, the invention uses a clamping element that is inserted in one direction and then closed by applying force in the opposite direction. This inversion of the assembly process eliminates the need for large rotational movements and reduces the space required for tool access during assembly.
2Reliability
If screw connections are used to connect components, then a secure connection is achieved, but torque and stress peaks occur during tightening that can lead to distortion or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed with elastic properties that allow it to deform during assembly and absorb stress peaks. The elastic material cushions the components during the clamping process, preventing damage from sudden stress applications while maintaining secure connection. The elastic deformation occurs before the final clamping force is applied, protecting the components from harmful stress peaks.
3Reliability
If screw connections are used, then components are securely fastened, but the assembly process requires complex rotational movements and more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is inverted from the conventional screw connection approach. Instead of inserting a fastener and then rotating it to tighten, the clamping element is inserted through both components in one direction and then closed by applying force in the opposite direction. This simplifies the assembly process by eliminating complex rotational movements and reducing the skill level required for proper assembly.
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
The solution enables a space-saving, secure, and cost-effective assembly with reduced risk of damage, as the clamping element's restoring force maintains the connection without stress peaks, facilitating simpler and more efficient assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The legs of the clamping element are elastically deformed during assembly by bending open the clamping element, so that in an end position of the clamping element a restoring force acts perpendicularly to the surfaces, which presses the components together.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lighting device (10) with at least two components (20, 22) which are connected to each other by friction and form locking, wherein the two components (20, 22) have contact surfaces (44.1, 44.2) which are pressed together by a connecting element. The lighting device (10) is characterized in that the connecting element is a clamping element (26) having two legs (34), which is configured to grip the at least two components (20, 22) and thereby generate a force acting perpendicular to the contact surfaces (44.1, 44.2), which presses the contact surfaces (44.1, 44.2) together, and wherein at least one of the two components (20, 22) has an engagement element (38.1, 38.2) which, in an end position of the clamping element (26), engages in a second recess arranged in a leg (34) of the clamping element (26), and wherein the engagement element (38.2) one of the at least two components (20, 22) penetrates the other of the at least two components (20, 22).