Retaining Assembly for Braking Device Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing holding assemblies for fixing a flange part of a braking device to a motor vehicle bulkhead require significant effort and accessibility challenges, especially when installing and removing the device, as the bulkhead is poorly accessible from the vehicle interior, and the device needs to be supported to prevent tilting and falling.

Innovation Solution

A holding assembly featuring a form-fitting connection between the flange part and the retaining plate, utilizing a basin-shaped depression and asymmetrical design with a supporting edge and projections for precise alignment, along with an end fixing screw and retaining ring for secure fastening, allowing for easy installation and removal from the engine compartment side with minimal structural and functional effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If studs are inserted from the flange portion through the bulkhead into the passenger compartment and bolted from the passenger compartment, then the braking device can be fixed to the bulkhead, but the installation and removal effort is considerable due to poor accessibility of the bulkhead in the vehicle interior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening operation is inverted by performing it from the engine compartment side instead of the passenger compartment side. The retaining plate with integrated fastening elements is installed from the engine compartment, allowing the braking device to be secured without requiring access to the difficult-to-reach passenger compartment area through the bulkhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining plate merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for the braking device, creates a form-fitting connection through its basin-shaped depression, and integrates the fastening mechanism with the end fixing screw. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate support structures and simplifies the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the braking device is supported in the engine compartment to prevent tilting and falling out, then stability during installation is achieved, but additional support structures and complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining plate combines the support function and fastening function into a single integrated structure. The basin-shaped depression provides both the support surface to prevent tilting and the form-fitting connection features for secure attachment, eliminating the need for separate support brackets or temporary fixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining plate is designed with distinct functional zones: the basin-shaped depression for support and alignment, the frame with groove for form-fitting connection, and the threaded hole for final fastening. This segmentation of functions within a single component achieves stability without adding external support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a form-fitting connection with basin-shaped depression and asymmetrical design is used, then precise alignment and quick installation are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining plate employs asymmetrical design elements including the basin-shaped depression with specific contour and the frame with groove positioned at particular locations. These asymmetrical features provide automatic alignment and precise positioning of the braking device during installation, ensuring correct orientation without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fitting connection features (basin-shaped depression and frame with groove) are pre-formed during manufacturing of the retaining plate. This preliminary creation of alignment features ensures that during installation, the braking device automatically aligns and engages with the correct position, enabling quick installation without complex adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3055176B1Retaining assembly
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP3055176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3055176B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3055176B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a retaining assembly for fixing a flange part (4), which is provided on a braking device, to a firewall of a motor vehicle, said firewall separating an engine chamber from a vehicle interior. According to the invention, a retaining plate (2) is secured to the firewall face facing the engine chamber, and the flange part (4) and the retaining plate (2) are engaged with each other by means of both a form-fitting as well as force-fitting connection (3).