Adjustable Quarter Panel Bracket for Pillar Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning of vehicle quarter panels in body shops impacts the fit and finish of rear and side closure panels, as well as other exterior components, requiring precise adjustment to align correctly with pillars, which is challenging with existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system with a moveable second portion relative to a first portion fixed to the vehicle panel, allowing adjustment via loosening and tightening of fasteners, and incorporating an anti-rotation feature for secure positioning, enabling fore/aft and vertical adjustments without requiring separate compensator elements on the pillar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing fixed bracket methods are used to attach quarter panels to pillars, then assembly is simple, but adjustment capability is lost and fit and finish precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The second bracket is designed with moveable features that allow it to be positioned at multiple locations along the first bracket before being secured in a final fixed position. This enables adjustment of the quarter panel relative to the pillar to achieve precise fit and finish, while ultimately providing a stable fixed connection when adjusted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate compensator elements are added to the pillar to enable adjustment, then adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment functionality is merged into the bracket system itself rather than requiring separate compensator elements on the pillar. The first and second brackets work together as an integrated adjustable assembly, where the moveable second bracket provides adjustment capability while both brackets combined serve the function that would otherwise require multiple separate components including compensators on the pillar.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system performs multiple functions: it provides structural support to attach the quarter panel to the pillar, enables adjustment of the panel position, and maintains fit and finish alignment. The first and second brackets together provide both the mounting function and the adjustment function that would otherwise require separate dedicated components.
3Productivity
If the quarter panel position is fixed during manufacturing, then assembly is efficient, but post-assembly adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is pre-assembled with the first and second brackets connected in a moveable configuration before the quarter panel is attached to the pillar. This preliminary assembly allows the adjustment mechanism to be ready for use, enabling efficient assembly while preserving adjustment capability. The brackets are prepared in advance with adjustment features that will allow post-assembly positioning adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect includes, among other things, a bracket system having a first portion fixed to a vehicle panel and a second portion that is moveable relative to the first portion for adjustment purposes. At least one first fastener holds the first and second portions together prior to assembly of the vehicle panel to a pillar. The at least one first fastener is loosened to adjust a position of the second portion relative to the pillar. At least one second fastener secures the second portion to the pillar subsequent to adjustment, and the at least one first fastener is tightened subsequent to adjustment to hold the vehicle panel in a desired position relative to the pillar.