Vehicle Receiver Assembly with Movable Guide Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current receiver assemblies are too restrictive to accommodate variations in body design and manufacturing processes, particularly when installation needs to occur from the inboard side of lamps, limiting movement along multiple axes and complicating the installation of headlamps and tail lamps in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A receiver assembly with a housing and receiver design that includes lugs and guide tracks allowing movement along a first axis within a plane, while a slot and cavity structure accommodates movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first, enabling smooth and precise installation and retention of ball studs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver assembly uses a fixed, restrictive design, then the retention and removal function is simple, but the adaptability to body variations and manufacturing tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly incorporates a movable receiver component that can shift position within the housing along guide tracks. This dynamic design allows the receiver to accommodate body variations and manufacturing tolerances by adjusting its position, rather than being fixed in a single location. The receiver moves from an initial position to accommodate the ball stud while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver assembly is divided into separate functional components: a housing, a movable receiver, guide tracks, and a ball stud retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the receiver able to move within the housing to accommodate variations while the housing provides structural support.
2Ease of operation
If the receiver assembly allows movement along multiple axes, then the ease of installation from inboard side improves, but the control over receiver position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed to be movable within the housing along predetermined guide tracks, allowing it to accommodate installation from different positions while maintaining controlled movement. The guide tracks constrain the receiver to specific movement paths, providing precision while enabling ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tracks serve as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed housing and the movable receiver. They mediate the movement by providing controlled guidance, allowing the receiver to move freely enough for easy installation while maintaining precise control over its position through the track geometry.
3Manufacturing precision
If the receiver assembly uses tight tolerances for body variations, then the retention precision improves, but the manufacturing ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on tight manufacturing tolerances, the design uses a dynamic receiver that can move within the housing to accommodate variations. This shifts the precision requirement from manufacturing to the operation phase, where the receiver adjusts its position to achieve proper alignment and retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver's position parameter is made variable rather than fixed. By allowing the receiver to change its position within the housing along guide tracks, the system accommodates body variations without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on the housing and receiver interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver assembly includes a housing supporting a receiver at least partially within the housing. The receiver includes interior walls forming a cavity accessible through a slot formed in a face of the receiver. First and second lugs extend from the receiver and opposing guide tracks extend from the housing for receiving at least portions of the first and second lugs and limiting movement of the receiver to a first axis within a first plane.