Prism-Shaped Fastening System for Vehicle Add-On Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for vehicles require complex preparation and are either non-reversible or require precise geometry alignment, making them difficult to install and remove add-on parts without damaging the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring a prism-shaped connector with a trapezoidal groove and a connecting part that allows for weld seam placement without additional effort, enabling easy attachment and detachment of add-on parts by using a connecting means in a frictional and/or positive connection, which is self-centering and adaptable to various metallic surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the foot of the attachment is screwed directly to the vehicle, then a secure connection is achieved, but complex preparation of the vehicle is required including threading and precise geometry coordination
Solution Approach 1:
A connection part with a prism-shaped outer lateral surface is introduced as an intermediary between the vehicle and the foot of the attachment. This connection part features notches that receive weld seams, eliminating the need for threading or precise geometry coordination on the vehicle itself. The prism shape provides self-centering through trapezoidal grooves, while the intermediary connection part absorbs all preparation requirements.
2Strength
If the base of the attachment is connected directly to the vehicle by welding, then a strong permanent connection is achieved, but the attachment cannot be removed without destruction and weldability of the foot is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into three distinct components: the vehicle, the removable connection part, and the attachment with its foot. The weld seam connects only the connection part to the vehicle, leaving the attachment separately removable. This segmentation allows the attachment to be detached by removing the connecting means (screw, bolt, or clamp) without affecting the welded connection part on the vehicle.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise coordination of the geometry of the contact surface is required for zero-backlash centering, then accurate alignment is achieved, but the complexity of preparation and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part features an asymmetric prism-shaped outer lateral surface with specific notches and trapezoidal grooves. This asymmetric geometry provides self-centering functionality through the interaction between the prism shape and the trapezoidal grooves in the foot, eliminating the need for precise coordination of contact surface geometries. The asymmetric design ensures zero-backlash centering through form-fit connection rather than precision alignment.
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 system allows for simple and robust attachment and detachment of add-on parts without complex preparation, ensuring precise centering and compatibility with standard semi-finished products, reducing manufacturing deviations and welding requirements.
Implementation Method 1
weld seams are applied in the resulting notches between the vehicle surface and the side surfaces of the connecting part adjoining the adjacent side surface
Implementation Method 2
The at least one connecting means is now guided through the at least one opening in the foot and brought into a frictional and/or positive connection with the at least one receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening system for add-on parts on vehicles that allows add-on parts (5) on vehicles (1) to be easily installed and removed. The invention further relates to a vehicle (1) provided with such a fastening system. The fastening system comprises a connection part (2), which lies against the vehicle (1), and a base (3), which is connected to the add-on part (5). The connection part (2) is designed as a profiled element, the outer surface (2h) of the exterior of which corresponds at least in some sections to the outer surface of a prism having the base of a regular polygon having at least one interior angle deviating from 90°. The base (3) comprises a trapezoidal groove (3a) having leg surfaces (3d, 3e) that are arranged at an angle from each other and that are connected to each other by a base surface (3f). The two leg surfaces (3d, 3e) lie flush against two lateral surfaces (2d, 2e) of the connection part (2) that are not directly adjacent to each other. A hole (3b) extends through the base (3) symmetrically with respect to the groove (3a) and centrally through the base surface (3f). The connection part (2) has a receptacle (2g), in which a connecting element (4) engages, wherein said connecting element is inserted through an opening (3b) in the base (3).