Restricting Device Buffer Member Assembly Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing restricting devices, such as vehicle deflector devices, require increased assembly time due to the difficulty in pressing-fit and subsequent removal of an umbrella-shaped buffer member, necessitating additional operations to secure the buffer member effectively.
Innovation Solution
A restricting device featuring a movable member with a mounting recess and a buffer member that includes a fixing portion, an elastic portion, and a connecting portion, allowing the buffer member to be assembled by fitting the fixing portion into the recess and being pinched between the recess and a slip-off preventing piece, reducing the need for complex assembly operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the buffer member is made with an umbrella-shaped tip portion to prevent slip-off, then the buffer member can be securely fitted to the hole portion, but it becomes difficult to press-fit and requires additional assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is divided into distinct functional segments: a cylindrical fitting portion for insertion, a connecting portion with reduced diameter, and an elastic portion with umbrella-shaped tip. This segmentation allows the fitting portion to be easily press-fitted while the other portions provide retention and elastic functionality, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire buffer member umbrella-shaped and difficult to insert, the invention inverts the approach by creating a narrow connecting portion that facilitates easy insertion through the hole, while the umbrella-shaped tip remains as a separate retention feature at the opposite end.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tip portion diameter is reduced for easier fitting, then the buffer member can be more easily pressed into the hole portion, but the latching margin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is segmented into a fitting portion with diameter matching the hole for easy press-fit, and a separate tip portion with enlarged umbrella shape for latching. The connecting portion bridges these with reduced diameter, allowing easy insertion while maintaining retention capability at the tip.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the buffer member have different diameters optimized for different functions: the fitting portion has diameter matched to the hole for easy insertion, while the tip portion has enlarged diameter for latching, and the connecting portion has reduced diameter for flexibility.
3Reliability
If additional operations are performed to assemble the buffer member, then the buffer member can be securely fitted, but the number of assembling man-hours increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is designed as a single integrated piece with segmented functional portions (fitting portion, connecting portion, elastic portion) that can be assembled in one operation without requiring separate steps for insertion and retention feature installation, reducing assembly man-hours while maintaining security.
4Productivity
If the buffer member structure is simplified to reduce assembly steps, then assembly time is reduced, but the buffer member may slip off the hole portion
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is designed as an integrated single piece with functionally segmented portions that provide both easy assembly and secure retention, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations while maintaining reliability through the umbrella-shaped tip and elastic portion.
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
This configuration reduces the number of assembly man-hours required for the buffer member, stabilizes the posture of the movable member, and minimizes impact sound during contact with a guide rail, while allowing for easier manufacturing and reduced manufacturing time due to symmetrical buffer member design.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion that protrudes from the movable member in the second direction and is capable of coming into contact with the guide rail
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5C
AI summary
A restricting device includes: a movable member (31) that is capable of changing a posture with respect to a support member (20); and a buffer member (41) that is fixed to the movable member, comes into contact with the support member in accordance with a posture change of the movable member, and restricts the posture of the movable member, wherein in the movable member, a mounting recess portion (33), an outlet port (34), a slip-off preventing piece (35), and a fitting piece (36) are formed, and the buffer member has a fixing portion (43), an elastic portion (42), and a connecting portion (44), and in the elastic portion, a fitting recess portion (45) is fitted is formed.