Press-In Functional Component Assembly With Defined End Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing functional components to holding components lack reproducibility and precision, leading to inaccurate and potentially damaging connections.

Innovation Solution

A functional component is secured to a holding component by pressing a connecting element into a depression, where the connecting element is designed to deform and widen, with a contact surface on the base body ensuring a defined end position and a functional module for additional functions, allowing secure and flexible attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a connecting element is pressed into a depression to secure a functional component, then the component can be attached to the holding component, but the end position cannot be specified in a well reproducible manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend position specificationVSAvoidreproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a support surface on the holding component before the pressing operation. This support surface serves as a predetermined reference that guides the connecting element to a specific end position during pressing, ensuring reproducible results across multiple operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the contact between the contact surface on the connecting element and the support surface on the holding component. This contact provides tactile feedback that signals when the connecting element has reached its correct end position, allowing for precise and reproducible positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Strength

If the connecting element is pressed into the depression, then the functional component can be secured, but the pressing force may cause damage to the holding component

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring forceVSAvoiddamage to holding component

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a support surface on the holding component that stops the pressing action before excessive force is applied. This support surface acts as a cushion or buffer that prevents damage while still allowing sufficient pressing force to secure the functional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connecting element is widened in the free end area, then it can be introduced into the wall of the holding component, but the base body needs a defined end position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidend position definition

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the support surface on the holding component and the contact surface on the connecting element before the pressing operation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when pressing occurs, the end position is automatically defined by the geometry of these surfaces, providing both stability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables precise, reproducible, and secure attachment of functional components to holding components, preventing damage and facilitating easy integration of further components through defined alignment and force absorption.

Implementation Method 1

The connecting element (22) is designed to be converted into a deformed state by applying a force acting in the press-in direction (18) to the base body (24). In the deformed state of the connecting element (22), the connecting element (22) is widened in a free end area (32).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12460667B2Functional component, component assembly comprising a functional component, and method for securing a functional component to a holding component

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 AUDI AG

AI summary

A functional component which is designed to be secured to a holding component by pressing a connecting element into a depression of the holding component. In a non-deformed state, the connecting element protrudes in a press-in direction from a base body of the functional component and is designed to be deformed by applying a force to the base body, so that the connecting element is widened in an end area and the end area is introduced into a wall of the depression. The base body includes a contact surface surrounding the connecting element which abuts a support surface of the holding component in a coupled state of the functional component. A functional module of the functional component is provided by a partial area of the base body facing away from the contact surface.