Nested Detent Hook Assembly for Tight Installation Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component arrangements with multiple rest connections face challenges in confined spaces due to the need for sufficient installation space for each connection, making it difficult to combine multiple components efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A component arrangement featuring a carrier element, a first component element connected via a first rest connection, and a second component element connected via a second rest connection, where the second rest hook encapsulates the first rest hook to provide a compact and space-saving connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate snap-in connections are used to connect multiple components, then reliable locking is achieved, but the installation space required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by allowing the second locking hook to engage with and enclose the first locking hook. The second component element's locking hook is positioned such that it surrounds and locks onto the first locking hook, creating a nested configuration where one locking mechanism is contained within another. This nested arrangement enables multiple components to be connected in a compact space while maintaining reliable locking through the form-fitting engagement of the hooks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple snap-in connections are arranged in confined spaces, then component assembly is achieved, but the complexity of arrangement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent assemblyVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple locking functions into a compact arrangement where the second locking hook engages with the first locking hook. Instead of requiring separate mounting locations and independent locking mechanisms, the design combines the locking actions by having the second hook attach to the first hook's structure. This merging of locking functions simplifies the overall arrangement while maintaining the ability to securely connect multiple components in sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4164927B1Component assembly comprising space-saving detent connection
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4164927B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4164927B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a component assembly (10) comprising a support element (11), a first component element (12) which is connected to the support element (11) by means of a first detent connection (14), and a second component element (13) which is connected to the first component element (12) by means of a second detent connection (15), the first detent connection (14) comprising a first detent hook (16) and the second detent connection (15) comprising a second detent hook (17), and the second detent hook (17) form-fittingly encompassing the first detent hook (16) to provide the second detent connection (15). The invention also relates to a vehicle having a corresponding component assembly (10).