RC Body Panel Bracket Assembly With Hidden Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RC model vehicle body assembly methods using external screws or adhesives compromise visual accuracy and structural integrity, and traditional vacuum-formed bodies face challenges with undercutting and access to chassis components.
Innovation Solution
A panel connection system using offset mounting tabs and slots, along with a panel bracket, allows secure assembly of RC model vehicle body sections without visible fasteners, utilizing offset mounting holes and bracket mounts to conceal the joint within the body structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external screws or adhesives are used to attach panel sections, then structural integrity is achieved, but visual accuracy is compromised due to visible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is nested within the body structure itself. The mounting tab inserts into the receiving slot and engages with the panel bracket from the interior side, while the exterior side shows only the smooth panel surfaces meeting at the joint, with no external fasteners visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel bracket serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between panel sections. It provides mounting holes and bracket mounts that enable secure attachment while allowing the joint to be concealed from external view, thus maintaining visual accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single vacuum-formed body is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but structural integrity is reduced due to thin shells and undercutting issues
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is divided into multiple panel sections (front panel, rear panel, side panels) that can be manufactured separately using vacuum forming. These segments are then connected using the panel connection system, allowing each panel to be optimized for its specific structural requirements while maintaining overall integrity.
3Shape
If panel sections are divided to improve scale accuracy, then visual accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The panel bracket is designed as a universal connection component that can be used at multiple locations along the vehicle body. The same bracket design with mounting holes and bracket mounts can be applied consistently across different panel joints, reducing the variety of connection mechanisms needed and simplifying the overall system despite the presence of multiple panels.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-controlled (RC) model vehicle body assembled with a panel connection system is provided. The system includes a first panel section having a mounting tab offset from a first panel outer surface and a tab mounting hole in the mounting tab. The system also includes a second panel section having a receiving slot and an offset panel mounting hole both offset from the second panel outer surface. The system includes a panel bracket comprising having an offset bracket first section and a bracket second section. The panel bracket further includes a first bracket mount in the offset bracket first section and a second bracket mount in the bracket second section. The second panel section is fastened to the panel bracket using the first bracket mount and the offset panel mounting hole and the mounting tab is inserted into the receiving slot and fastened to the second bracket mount.