Rotating Support Arms for Vehicle Attachment Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle add-on part mounting systems face issues with secure and universal attachment due to reliance on elastic elements that lose tension over time, limited contact surface, and the need for multi-part designs and specialized plastics, which restrict size and shape flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with rotating support arms that change angular positions to securely clamp onto a motor vehicle body part, using a screw connection for direct force application and featuring a pre-locking mechanism for secure assembly and disassembly, ensuring a firm and adaptable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic elements are used for clamping, then the add-on part can be held securely, but the tension is lost over time and disassembly becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elastic element from the clamping mechanism and replaces it with a rigid clamping device that applies force directly through mechanical means. The support elements are designed to be clamped together by a clamping device without relying on elastic deformation, thereby eliminating the tension loss problem while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using elastic elements that expand to hold the add-on part, the patent inverts the approach by using rigid elements that are actively clamped together by a separate clamping device. The force application is inverted from passive elastic expansion to active mechanical clamping, allowing for both secure attachment and easy disassembly.
2Reliability
If expandable clamps are used, then the add-on part can be held, but the contact surface is limited to the opening surface only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the contact surface from a single-point opening contact to a multi-dimensional contact system. The first and second support elements provide contact surfaces on opposite sides of the opening, while the clamping device applies force across the entire opening area. This dimensional expansion of contact surfaces distributes the clamping force more effectively.
3Ease of manufacture
If multi-part mounting devices are used, then assembly is possible, but the process requires multiple steps and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support elements and clamping mechanism into an integrated one-piece mounting device. The first support element, second support element, and clamping device are designed to work together as a single unit that can be installed in one operation. The clamping device is configured to clamp the support elements together simultaneously during installation, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps.
4Strength
If special plastics are used for the clamping device, then it can withstand significant forces, but the material selection is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting device into distinct functional components: support elements that provide structural support and a clamping device that applies force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the support elements can be made from materials optimized for structural integrity while the clamping device can be made from materials optimized for force application, increasing overall system versatility.
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
The solution provides a quick and easy assembly and disassembly process with a secure, permanent attachment that is adaptable to different motor vehicle series, utilizing a rigid design and direct force application to ensure stability and prevent deformation, while allowing for universal compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
one of the support elements has support arms (14) which are mounted such that they can rotate with respect to one another in relation to an axis of rotation (16)
Implementation Method 2
The holder (2) has a screw connection (13) by means of which the two support elements (11, 12) can be clamped towards one another
Implementation Method 3
A spring element (18) is arranged on the support arms (14) and exerts a force on the support arms (14) in the direction of the first angular position
Implementation Method 4
the two supporting elements are moved towards one another so far that a sufficiently tight fit, in particular by press fit, of the body part (32) is achieved
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support (2) for a motor vehicle attachment part (1) for installation at a chassis section (32) of a motor vehicle provided with a receptacle opening (31), comprising two support elements (11, 12) that can be associated with opposite cables (33, 34) of the chassis section (32), said support elements able to be tensioned toward one another by way of a clamping device (17). One of the support elements (11, 12) comprises a plurality of support arms (14), wherein the support arms (14) are mounted rotatably relative to one another in relation to an axis of rotation (18). The invention further relates to a device for adhering a vehicle attachment part (1).