Self-Locking Retaining Element for Vehicle Lighting Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle light unit attachment methods are not efficient for quick and easy mounting on vehicles, often requiring multiple tools and not providing secure attachment across various load cases and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking locking device with a movable locking unit and spring unit, integrated into a pot-shaped retaining element, allows the lamp unit to be securely fastened to the vehicle with play, enabling easy installation and secure holding independent of gravity and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastening device with multiple components is used to attach the lamp unit to the vehicle, then the attachment security is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated retaining element that includes both the holding structure and the locking mechanism. The locking unit is integrated directly into the retaining element, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing installation steps while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded locking units that automatically engage with the vehicle body. The spring units provide automatic locking action when the retaining element is installed, eliminating the need for manual tool operation during installation and enabling quick, tool-free mounting.
2Reliability
If a conventional fastening device requiring multiple tools is used, then the attachment security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically performs the fastening function through spring-loaded locking units that engage with the vehicle body upon installation. The system is self-actuating and requires no manual tool operation, making installation as easy as simply positioning and pushing the retaining element into place while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the need for external tools and complex manipulation from the installation process. The locking mechanism is designed to be activated automatically by the installation motion itself, removing the requirement for separate fastening tools and simplifying the operator's task to basic positioning and pushing actions.
3Ease of operation
If a simple holding element is used without locking mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple holding function with the locking function into a single integrated retaining element. The locking units are built into the retaining element structure itself, combining the ease of a simple push-in installation with the security of a locked attachment that can withstand various load cases and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking units automatically engage with the vehicle body to provide secure attachment under load. The system self-activates during installation and maintains reliable locking force throughout operation, ensuring stability under various load cases without requiring complex external locking mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a locking device with spring units is used, then the reliability independent of gravity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the retaining element structure itself, integrating spring-loaded locking units directly into the retaining element. This integration maintains reliability independent of gravity and vibrations while minimizing overall device complexity by eliminating separate locking mechanisms and reducing the number of discrete components.
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
Facilitates quick and tool-free installation of the light unit on the vehicle, ensuring secure attachment and easy dismantling, while maintaining stability under different load conditions and environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device preferably has a spring unit which acts on the locking unit along the longitudinal axis towards the lamp unit
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for at least partially attaching a lighting unit (10) to a vehicle (12) by means of a holding element (14) comprising a holding element (14a) on the side of the lighting unit and a holding element (14b) on the side of the device that interacts with the holding element (14a) on the side of the lighting unit, wherein the holding element (14a) on the side of the lighting unit is at least partially received in the holding element (14b) on the side of the device along a longitudinal axis (18) of the device. It is proposed that the holding element (14a) on the side of the lighting unit is held in the holding element (14b) on the side of the device in a self-locking manner in at least one direction of the longitudinal axis (16) by means of a locking device (18).