Rotary Transducer Mount for Bumper Tolerance Compensation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transducer devices for vehicle bumpers require precise dimensioning and assembly to achieve aesthetic and functional compatibility, which can be challenging due to varying bumper thicknesses and manufacturing tolerances, and do not easily accommodate errors in production precision.

Innovation Solution

A transducer device with a support body and anchoring element that allows for relative axial positioning through a rotation-based mechanism, featuring inclined active surfaces and threading, enabling precise placement without strict manufacturing precision and accommodating different bumper thicknesses, along with seal elements for vibration insulation and aesthetic integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If transducer devices are mounted using traditional fastening elements requiring precise dimensioning and assembly, then aesthetic requirements and functional positioning are satisfied, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly due to varying bumper thicknesses and tight tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device incorporates an adjustable mechanism that changes the positional parameter of the transducer relative to the bumper surface. The adjustment range accommodates variations in bumper thickness, allowing the transducer to be positioned at different depths while maintaining aesthetic flush mounting and proper functional alignment without requiring precise pre-manufacturing dimensioning for each bumper variant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device transitions from a static fixed-position fastening system to a dynamic adjustable system. The adjustment mechanism allows the mounting position to be modified during assembly to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and varying bumper thicknesses, thereby reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If transducer devices are mounted flush with the bumper surface to satisfy aesthetic requirements, then visual impact is minimized, but assembly difficulty increases due to the need for precise positioning and differentiated support structures for various bumper thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic integrationVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device enables adjustment of the transducer's axial position relative to the bumper surface. This parameter change allows the transducer to be positioned exactly flush with the bumper exterior for aesthetic purposes, while the adjustment mechanism compensates for variations in bumper thickness, eliminating the need for differentiated support structures for various bumper types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple bumper thicknesses and variants. The single adjustable mounting structure replaces the need for multiple differentiated support bodies, simplifying assembly while maintaining aesthetic flush mounting across different vehicle models and bumper configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If differentiated support bodies are constructed for various bumper thicknesses to achieve precise assemblies, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidbumper thickness adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple bumper thicknesses and variants. The single adjustable mounting structure replaces the need for multiple differentiated support bodies, simplifying assembly while maintaining aesthetic flush mounting across different vehicle models and bumper configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device transitions from a static fixed-position fastening system to a dynamic adjustable system. The adjustment mechanism allows the mounting position to be modified during assembly to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and varying bumper thicknesses, thereby reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2407802B1Transducer device mountable on a vehicle bumper or moulding element, vehicle bumper using such a transducer device and method of assembling the transducer device on a vehicle bumper

Publication Date: 2013.12.25 VODAFONE AUTOMOTIVE

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7

AI summary

A transducer device for vehicle protection elements is described, comprising a transducer organ (5), a support body (3) defining a seating (4) for receiving the transducer organ after a possible interposing of a seal element (13), and an anchoring element (6) having a first portion (7), fixable to an internal surface (2a) of the protection element, and at least a second portion (10), able to engage with a corresponding engaging portion (11) borne by the support body (3), such that following a relative rotation between the second portion (10) and the engaging portion (11), there is a relative axial translation between the support body (3) and the anchoring body (6).