Rigid Sliding Alignment Device for Motor Vehicle Door Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alignment devices for aligning components in motor vehicle components are complex, require precise manual positioning, and often result in bent or reusable centering devices, increasing manufacturing costs and material expenditure.
Innovation Solution
An alignment device with a base body and centering devices that allow for multi-stage alignment by sliding onto the component, using a centering geometry to ensure precise positioning with minimal material and effort, featuring a rigid design and low friction surfaces to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible alignment devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the centering devices can easily bend and are only partially reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the alignment device from flexible to rigid. The base body and centering devices are made as a rigid integrated structure, eliminating the flexibility that caused bending issues while maintaining ease of operation through the rigid structure's stability and reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the base body and centering devices into a single rigid integrated structure. This combination ensures that the centering devices cannot bend independently and maintains structural integrity, improving reliability while preserving ease of operation
2Reliability
If alignment devices are integrated into the components, then reliability is improved, but weight increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment device as a separate removable component rather than integrating it permanently into the door handle or door panel. This allows the alignment function to be reliable and dedicated while keeping the main components lighter and reducing overall manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid alignment device serves multiple functions: it provides precise centering, ensures proper positioning, and can be reused across multiple assembly operations. This multi-functionality justifies its separate existence without adding unnecessary weight to the permanent components
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional alignment devices are used, then alignment precision is achieved, but device complexity increases and material expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential centering function from complex conventional alignment devices. The rigid base body with integrated centering devices provides precise alignment through a simple geometric design, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is designed as a simple, inexpensive rigid structure that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The simplicity of the design reduces material expenditure and manufacturing complexity while ensuring adequate alignment precision
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an alignment device (1) for aligning a first component (2) in a recess (3) of a second component (4) of a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (5) with a base body inner side (6) for positively enclosing a section of the first component (2) and a base body outer side (7). A plurality of centering devices (8) are arranged on the base body outer side (7), wherein the centering devices (8) have a centering geometry (9) for contacting a recess inner side (10) of the recess (3) in this way, and wherein a relative movement between the first component (2) and the second component (4) for aligning the first component (2) with the second component (4) can be brought about by linearly sliding the alignment device (1) onto the first component (2) via the centering devices (8).Furthermore, the invention relates to a handle assembly (11) for a motor vehicle and to a method for mounting a door handle (12) on a vehicle door (14) for a motor vehicle.