Resilient Latching Element for Precise Component Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling motor vehicle components often require post-assembly corrections due to imprecise initial positioning, leading to time-consuming readjustments, especially in the front-end area where a defined gap between components is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a ridge-shaped latching element with isosceles trapezium shape and latching hooks on one component, which can be resiliently compressed and clamped into a receiving opening on another component, allowing precise positioning with adjustable spring force for stable fixation and easy correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If components are firmly fixed during pre-assembly, then positioning stability is improved, but correction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with resilient legs that can be compressed to release the clamping action on the terminal strips. This dynamic feature allows the connection to transition from a stable fixed state during pre-assembly to a correctable state during final assembly, resolving the contradiction between positioning stability and correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables pre-assembly with precise positioning using the resilient locking mechanism before final assembly. The component can be preliminarily fixed in the correct position with the engine hood closed, and then the connection can be made more permanent during final assembly, eliminating the need for readjustment.
2Ease of operation
If resilient locking elements are used, then correction capability is improved, but fixation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking element provides a dynamic connection that is stable during pre-assembly but can be easily corrected during final assembly. The spring force maintains stable positioning initially, then allows controlled displacement for correction when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force of the resilient locking element can be adjusted to balance between stable fixation during pre-assembly and ease of correction during final assembly. By changing the elastic properties or pre-compression force, the system optimizes both stability and correctability.
3Loss of time
If precise positioning is achieved during pre-assembly, then readjustment time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking element with latching hooks automatically maintains the component in the correct position during pre-assembly without requiring additional fixing devices. The spring force self-adjusts to keep the component stable, eliminating the need for complex external positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is divided into functional segments: resilient legs for compression and release, latching hooks for securing, and interaction with terminal strips for positioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving precise positioning without overall device complexity.
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
Enables precise initial assembly of components with the engine hood closed, preventing shifting during final assembly and allowing for precise gap adjustments without readjustment, enhancing assembly efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
both the locking element and the corresponding locking opening are resilient, which has the advantage that the two components can be positioned precisely relative to one another with the aid of these resilient latching elements, with the spring force of the latching elements being sufficient to fix the components to one another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The device has a locking hook (3) provided at an upper edge (2) of a bar-shaped locking element (1) that is connected with a component by a head side (4) of an isosceles trapezoid. A side piece (5) of the trapezoid is arranged freely over a component surface (6). A retaining opening corresponding to the locking element is arranged at another component. The opening includes two parallel running terminal strips, where the locking element is clamped with the sidepiece between the strips during insertion into the opening. The side piece and the strips are arranged in a springy manner. The components are manufactured from thermoplastic plastic consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, polystyrene, PVC, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacrylnitrile, polymethyl metacrylate, acrylnithl butadiene styrene, acrylnitrile butadiene styrol/polycarbonate copolymerisate, polyphenylether, styrene acrylonitrile and polyoxymethylene in an injection molding process.