Polymeric Vehicle Striker Assembly with Resilient Bumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile door striker systems suffer from 'match-boxing' due to non-parallel deflection of support posts, leading to increased vehicle noise and reduced structural stiffness, and existing polymeric striker designs face issues with shrinkage, mold cost, and clearance problems.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric vehicle striker assembly with a homogenous body featuring a first body portion and a second body portion at an angle, including a raised mid-body with an inclined surface and rectangular cavities for non-rotatable fastener engagement, combined with a resilient bumper to minimize deflection and noise, and accommodate manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If polymeric striker is molded, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but shrinkage occurs which distorts the striker and prevents proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary compensation features directly into the molded striker design, including recesses and protrusions that account for expected shrinkage distortion. This preliminary action allows the striker to self-correct dimensional inaccuracies after molding, ensuring proper engagement without requiring post-molding adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies geometric parameters of the striker, specifically creating non-uniform thickness distributions and strategic recesses/protrusions that compensate for shrinkage patterns. These parameter changes allow the striker to maintain functional dimensions despite overall shrinkage during cooling.
2Ease of operation
If material is removed from existing fittings, then clearance for wedge travel is improved, but mold cost increases and part strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the striker into distinct functional zones: a main body portion and a separately moldable wedge clearance portion. This segmentation allows the clearance features to be added as simple geometric modifications rather than requiring complex material removal, reducing mold complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves clearance issues by utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the striker rather than relying solely on lateral material removal. By extending the striker body to provide adequate wedge travel clearance, the design avoids expensive material removal operations while maintaining part strength.
3Reliability
If wedge mechanism is positioned between lift-gate door and support post, then match-boxing is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wedge mechanism with the striker body itself, creating an integrated assembly where the wedge is a built-in feature rather than a separate component. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining the match-boxing prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The striker assembly is designed to self-regulate match-boxing through its inherent geometric features. The inclined surfaces and wedge geometry automatically engage to prevent non-parallel deflection without requiring external control mechanisms or complex actuation systems.
4Strength
If striker is designed for complete contact with vehicle components, then structural stiffness is improved, but adaptability to manufacturing tolerances decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different contact characteristics in different regions of the striker. Critical structural areas have rigid, precision-fit features for maximum stiffness, while non-critical areas incorporate compliant elements and tolerance buffers that accommodate manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining rigid polymeric material for structural stiffness with more compliant materials or features in specific zones. This composite approach allows the striker to maintain overall structural integrity while locally adapting to manufacturing tolerances through material compliance.
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 effectively reduces 'match-boxing' and vehicle noise by ensuring complete contact between the striker and vehicle components, while allowing for part flexibility and efficient installation, thereby enhancing structural stiffness and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient bumper is engaged with the second body portion and extends partially over the inclined surface
Data Source
AI summary
A striker used between a vehicle component and a vehicle body member includes a homogenous polymeric striker body. The body includes a first portion having opposed first and second sides, and a raised mid-body between the first and second sides. A second portion is oriented at an angle with respect to the first portion. The second portion includes first and second mounting wings and a bumper receiving portion positioned between the mounting wings. A resilient bumper is engaged with the second portion extending partially over the inclined surface. The raised mid-body defines a substantially planar, inclined surface continuously increasing in elevation with respect to the first and second sides between a first portion free end and a first and second portion intersection. The second portion has at least one rectangular-shaped cavity created on a vehicle body engaging side adapted to non-rotatably receive a geometrically configured fastener.