Adjustable Panel Locating Brackets for Vehicle Fit and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable panels on vehicles, such as convertible tops and quarter panels, face challenges in maintaining a proper fit over time due to manufacturing tolerances and wear of seals, which affects the panel's adjustability and sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A panel adjustment assembly that allows for lateral and vertical adjustability of removable panels, comprising a first bracket fixedly coupled to the panel, a second bracket with a channel, and adjusters that adjust gaps between the brackets and the vehicle, ensuring proper fit and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If removable panels are installed using fixed brackets, then the installation process is simple, but the panel cannot maintain proper fit over time due to manufacturing tolerances and seal wear
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic repositioning of the panel in lateral and vertical directions. The adjusters enable the brackets to adapt to changing conditions over time, transforming a static fixed-bracket system into a dynamic adjustable system that maintains proper fit despite manufacturing tolerances and seal wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameters of the panel by providing adjustable brackets with lateral and vertical adjustment capabilities. This allows the installation parameters (positioning) to be modified over time to compensate for seal wear and manufacturing variations, thereby maintaining proper fit and sealing performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable brackets are added to the panel assembly, then the panel can maintain proper fit over time, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic repositioning of the panel in lateral and vertical directions. The adjusters enable the brackets to adapt to changing conditions over time, transforming a static fixed-bracket system into a dynamic adjustable system that maintains proper fit despite manufacturing tolerances and seal wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameters of the panel by providing adjustable brackets with lateral and vertical adjustment capabilities. This allows the installation parameters (positioning) to be modified over time to compensate for seal wear and manufacturing variations, thereby maintaining proper fit and sealing performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the panel position is fixed during installation, then the installation process is quick, but noise increases due to improper sealing over time
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable bracket system allows for preliminary adjustment during installation to ensure proper sealing and minimize noise from the beginning. The brackets can be pre-positioned to account for manufacturing tolerances, and the panel can be adjusted to optimal positions before final installation, preventing noise issues rather than addressing them later.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameters of the panel by providing adjustable brackets with lateral and vertical adjustment capabilities. This allows the installation parameters (positioning) to be modified over time to compensate for seal wear and manufacturing variations, thereby maintaining proper fit and sealing performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel adjustment assembly for a panel of a vehicle includes a first bracket fixedly coupled to the panel. The first bracket includes a first receiving opening coaxial with a first longitudinal axis. A second bracket has a second longitudinal axis and a channel coaxial with the first longitudinal axis and a second receiving opening coaxial with the second longitudinal axis. A first adjuster coaxial with the first longitudinal axis is coupled through the second bracket and into the first receiving opening in the first bracket, said first adjuster adjusting a first gap between the first bracket and the second bracket. A second adjuster is disposed within the receiving channel and partially within the second bracket. The second adjuster has a locating pin extending therefrom and is received within the vehicle. The second adjuster adjusts a second gap between the vehicle and the second bracket.