Rotating Support Holder for Vehicle Add-on Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle add-on part mounting systems face challenges such as complex multi-part designs, loss of clamping force over time, limited universality across different vehicle models, and material limitations due to high forces applied, leading to inefficient and adaptable solutions.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece mount with rotatable, rigid support elements and a direct clamping mechanism using a screw connection, where the support elements move towards each other to securely hold the body part, allowing for easy assembly and universal application without requiring special materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-part mounting devices are used, then the add-on part can be fastened to the body part, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidmounting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple mounting components into a single integrated clamp structure. The clamp body (Klammkörper) incorporates both the clamping mechanism and the mounting function in one piece, eliminating the need for separate parts that need to be assembled. This single-component design maintains reliable fastening while significantly simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is designed with a rotatable support element that can be inserted through the receiving opening in a specific orientation and then rotated to engage the body part. This segmentation of the insertion and engagement phases allows for simple assembly while ensuring reliable mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If resilient or elastic elements are used in the clamping device, then the add-on part can be fastened, but the clamping force is lost over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping force maintenanceVSAvoidclamping force duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes resilient or elastic elements from the clamping device entirely. Instead of using elastic elements to provide clamping force, the invention employs a mechanical clamp with a screw connection that maintains constant clamping force without degradation over time. The clamp body and support element form a rigid mechanical structure that does not suffer from elastic fatigue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If expandable clamps are used, then the add-on part can be fastened by expanding elastic elements, but the contact surface is limited to the opening surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening capabilityVSAvoidcontact surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rotatable support element that extends the contact surface from a single opening surface to multiple surfaces. When the support element is rotated into its engagement position, it provides additional contact surfaces on the outer circumference of the body part, significantly increasing the bracing area and improving fastening reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the holder is adapted to specific body parts, then secure fastening is achieved, but universality across different vehicle models is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidvehicle model compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is designed with a receiving opening that can accommodate body parts of different sizes and shapes. The rotatable support element can be positioned at different angular orientations to engage various body part geometries. This universal design allows the same clamp to securely fasten add-on parts to different body parts across various vehicle models without requiring model-specific adaptations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Strength

If special plastics are used for the clamping device, then the high forces can be withstood, but material selection is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce resistanceVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from specialized high-strength plastics to ordinary plastics or metal. The simplified clamp design without elastic elements reduces the mechanical stresses on the material, allowing the use of common, easily processable materials. This parameter change in material selection maintains sufficient strength while greatly improving manufacturability and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 safer, more permanent, and easier assembly process with a direct force application, ensuring a secure fit and adaptability across various vehicle models without material limitations, enhancing the stability and usability of the mount.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping device (6), by means of which the support elements (4; 5) can be moved towards one another, in particular clamped towards one another, for example by means of a screw connection (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

one of the support elements forms a first support element (4), which is rigid in design, mounted so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 3

The support element comes into contact with the body part via support surfaces, with a plurality of support surfaces being present which are separate from one another and are distributed over a circumference running around the vertical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2285623B1Holder for a motor vehicle add-on part and device for holding a motor vehicle add-on part
Publication Date: 2012.05.23 BLAUPUNKT ANTENNA SYST
  • EP2285623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2285623B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2285623B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention comprises a holder (1) for a motor vehicle add-on part for installation on a motor vehicle body part (3) which is provided with a receiving opening (2). In this case, one of the supporting elements (4, 5) forms a first supporting element (4) which is of rigid design, is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (10) and, over the circumference thereof, which runs around the axis of rotation (10), has a plurality of supporting surfaces (12) which are separated from one another, wherein the outer contour of the first supporting element (4) is set back between the supporting surfaces (12) in the direction of the axis of rotation (10). Furthermore, the invention comprises a device for holding a motor vehicle add-on part.