Plug-Rotate Stop Arrangement for Vehicle Tailgate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stop arrangements for variable-position elements on vehicle bodies lack efficient and precise positioning and attachment methods, particularly in terms of radial clamping and axial fixation, which can lead to inaccuracies and reduced durability due to tolerance requirements and corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
A stop arrangement utilizing a plug-and-rotate connection with radial clamping, featuring a plug-and-rotate connection projection and a receiving opening with eccentric clamping sections and a flange for axial fixation, made of plastic to prevent corrosion and ensure easy production and assembly, providing a self-centering radial clamping effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional stop buffer attachment method (screwed, snap connection, or bayonet fitting) is used, then the stop element can be attached to the vehicle body or tailgate, but the positioning accuracy and radial clamping precision are insufficient due to tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into a stop element with an insertion portion and a receiving structure with clamping sections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for precision while simplifying the overall assembly process, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion of the stop element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the stop element body and the receiving structure. This intermediary enables precise radial clamping through the clamping sections while maintaining simple attachment and detachment operations.
2Strength
If metal materials are used for the stop element and attachment components, then structural strength is sufficient, but corrosion issues arise and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element and its attachment components are made from plastic material instead of metal, creating a composite solution that provides sufficient structural strength while inherently resisting corrosion. This material substitution resolves the contradiction between strength requirements and corrosion resistance, improving overall reliability and durability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a radial clamping mechanism with multiple clamping sections is implemented, then positioning precision and attachment security are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving structure incorporates multiple clamping sections distributed around the insertion portion, with each clamping section providing localized radial clamping action. This local quality approach achieves high positioning precision through distributed clamping points while maintaining simple overall manufacturing, as each clamping section is a straightforward structural feature.
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 achieves precise radial and axial clamping, reducing tolerance requirements and ensuring a secure, durable attachment of the stop element to the vehicle body or tailgate, with a progressive fastening force and easy manufacturing, while allowing for adjustable height and elastic deformation for damping and prestressing.
Implementation Method 1
The plug-and-rotate connection projection and the receiving opening are designed with friction surfaces that generate radial clamping force during rotation, securing the stop element to the vehicle body or tailgate
Implementation Method 2
The rotational insertion generates normal force between the plug-and-rotate connection projection and the receiving opening walls, creating the radial clamping effect that holds the components together
Implementation Method 3
The stop element is designed to be elastically deformable within certain limits, allowing it to absorb impact energy when the tailgate closes and applies a preload to the tailgate
Implementation Method 4
The elastically deformable stop element absorbs kinetic energy during tailgate closure, converting it to elastic potential energy and providing damping to reduce impact forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a stop arrangement for a position-changeable element, on a vehicle body, comprising, in particular, a stop element which can be connected to the position-changeable element or to the vehicle body by means of a plug-rotary-connection. Said plug-rotary-connection also comprises means which cause the stop element to clamp radially. The above-mentioned means can be designed such that radial clamping causes the stop element to centre radially.