Vehicle Module Fixing Assembly With Transverse Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for securing modules to vehicle components, such as panels to consoles, are prone to dislodging under high forces, necessitating additional screw connections for safety, complicating assembly and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a joining unit that includes an adjusting means and a fixing means with a projection, which can be inserted into a recess and secured transversely, utilizing a rocking section and lever action to absorb forces without screws, enhancing stability and assembly simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hook-shaped securing elements are used to fix a module to a vehicle component, then assembly is simplified, but the securing elements can become dislodged under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means is designed to be movable transverse to the joining direction, allowing it to be actively positioned into the recess by the adjusting means. This dynamic positioning ensures reliable engagement under high forces while maintaining simple assembly through the adjusting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting means automatically positions the fixing means into the recess when the joining unit is moved in the joining direction. The system self-adjusts during assembly, eliminating the need for separate manual positioning steps while ensuring reliable securing.
2Reliability
If additional screw connections are added to prevent dislodging, then securing reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting means serves multiple functions: it moves the joining unit in the joining direction, positions the fixing means transverse to the joining direction, and secures the fixing means in the recess. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate screw connections, maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting means and fixing means are combined into an integrated assembly where the adjusting means directly controls the fixing means positioning. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate screw connections while ensuring reliable securing under high forces.
3Ease of operation
If the fixing means is made elastic transverse to the joining direction, then ease of insertion is improved, but unintentional displacement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the receiving opening provides geometric feedback that guides the elastic fixing means into the correct positioned engagement. When the fixing means is moved transverse to the joining direction, the recess walls guide it back to the proper position, preventing unintentional displacement while maintaining insertion ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary structure between the elastic fixing means and the final secured position. It mediates the elastic deformation by providing geometric constraints that ensure the fixing means returns to and maintains the correct engagement position under load.
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 device effectively absorbs high forces without screws, ensuring secure attachment and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing means is designed to be elastic transversely to the joining direction and is pre-tensioned into the rear grip position
Implementation Method 2
the adjusting means in the stop position applies a lever force to the fixing means via the rocking section in the direction of the rear grip position
Implementation Method 3
a rear grip with a large contact surface between the projection and the wall of the recess can be easily achieved
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing apparatus (2) for securing a module (4) to a vehicle component (6) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one joining unit (8) secured to the module (4) and comprising a receiving unit (10) arranged in or on the vehicle component (6), in or on which receiving unit the joining unit (8) can be secured by moving in a joining direction (12), wherein the joining unit (8) has at least one positioning means (14) which, when moved in the joining direction (12), can slide along a positioning contour (16) of the receiving unit (10) and can be arranged in a stop position in which the positioning means (14) can be secured so as to abut a stop (18) of the receiving unit (10), and wherein the joining unit (8) comprises at least one securing means (20) which comprises a protrusion (22) that extends transversely to the joining direction (12) and, when moved in the joining direction (12), can be inserted into a receiving opening (24) of the receiving unit (10) and the protrusion (22) of said securing means can be moved transversely to the joining direction (12) by the positioning means (14) and can be secured in a recess (26) in the receiving opening (24), which recess extends transversely to the joining direction (12), so as to engage in said opening and, at least in the stop position of the positioning means (14), can be secured in a latching position in which the protrusion (22) latches in the recess (26) from behind, relative to the joining direction (12).