Quarter Turn Fastener Multi-Axis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods for attaching equipment like headlamps to vehicle bodywork, such as quarter-turn mechanisms, are limited by a single degree of freedom, making it difficult to achieve precise positioning along multiple axes and controlling contact pressure.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stud and locking element that pivots between assembly and locking positions, using a unique angle between the locking and fastening axes, allowing movement parallel to the support surface and incorporating resilient means for play adjustment, enabling controlled positioning and contact pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional quarter-turn fastening means are used, then assembly is simplified and tool-free operation is achieved, but positioning precision along multiple axes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a second axis of adjustment by allowing the locking element to pivot about a second axis that is inclined at an angle to the first axis. This enables positioning along two axes (first axis for depth, second axis for lateral adjustment) rather than just one, thereby improving positioning precision while maintaining the simple quarter-turn operation.
2Reliability
If quarter-turn fastening means with two parts are used, then locking functionality is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into the locking element: it integrates the locking mechanism (with complementary locking means), the positioning mechanism (with means for taking up play along the inclined second axis), and the adjustment mechanism (curved guide for lateral positioning) into a single component. This reduces the total number of parts while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
3Device complexity
If the locking element pivots only perpendicular to the support surface, then the mechanism is simple, but positioning along multiple axes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the orientation of the second axis from being perpendicular to the support surface to being inclined at an angle to the first axis. This angular orientation enables the means for taking up play to function along a different dimension, allowing simultaneous control of positioning along both axes while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to pivot dynamically about two different axes depending on the assembly stage: initially about the first axis for depth adjustment and locking, then about the second inclined axis for lateral positioning and play compensation. This dynamic multi-axis pivoting capability enables precise multi-axis positioning without requiring complex mechanisms.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and controlled positioning of elements along multiple axes, ensuring secure attachment and easy disassembly without damage, with a simple quarter-turn mechanism that compensates for play and locks in place.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means acting only in the direction of the fastening axis
Implementation Method 2
locking element... adapted to be able to receive the stud coaxially in order to be able to pivot about it between an assembly position and a locking position
Implementation Method 3
protrusion adapted to be able to cooperate with a curved guide formed on the support so as to be able to pull the stud, by the pivoting of the locking element, along the second axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The device has a locking element (2) including a skirt (21) supported on a support. The locking element has a hollow cylindrical body (23) provided with a locking notch complementary to latch teeth of a slotted pin (1). A clearance-compensating unit has a slider block comprising a protrusion that cooperates with a curved guide track i.e. quarter-ellipse punch, formed on the support in order to draw the pin, by pivoting the locking element, along a longitudinal axis toward a fixing position. A compression spring is arranged between a free end of a radial arm and the block.