Sheet Metal Clamping Sections for Backlash-Free Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fixing components in motor vehicle body construction are complex and costly, failing to meet high accuracy demands while requiring time-consuming processes like welding of fastening elements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving components with receiving holes and extensions where clamping sections are bent to securely hold the second component in place, eliminating the need for complex clamping frames and allowing precise, cost-effective positioning and fixing of sheet metal parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex clamping frames and welding processes are used to fix components, then reliable component fixation is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex clamping frame system entirely. Instead of using elaborate external clamping devices, the solution integrates simple clamping sections directly into the component structure itself, removing the disturbing complexity while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping sections are designed to automatically perform the fixation function without external assistance. When the fastening element is inserted, the clamping sections self-actuate through elastic deformation to grip and secure the component, eliminating the need for complex external clamping mechanisms
2Reliability
If traditional fastening elements like bolts and nuts are used, then secure component connection is achieved, but the assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into simple functional elements: clamping sections integrated into the component and a simple fastening element with clamping head. This segmentation eliminates complex multi-part fasteners like bolts and nuts, enabling faster assembly while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the fastening system by using elastic deformation of thin-walled clamping sections instead of threaded mechanical engagement. This parameter change from threaded connection to elastic clamping enables significantly faster assembly without sacrificing connection reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of sheet metal parts is required, then high positioning accuracy is achieved, but complex positioning and clamping technology is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping sections automatically perform the positioning function through their elastic deformation behavior. As the fastening element is inserted, the clamping sections self-adjust and center the connection, eliminating the need for complex external positioning devices and technology
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
This method achieves precise, stable, and cost-effective component positioning and fixing, ensuring defined and backlash-free assembly without the need for complex clamping technology, while preventing water ingress and reducing sound propagation.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping sections are bent by the extension in the insertion direction of the extension at least partially elastically. The clamping sections thereby exert a surprisingly large clamping force on the extension in the opposite direction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method for fastening components (10, 18; 26), in particular sheet metal parts in vehicle body manufacturing, has the following steps: providing a first component (10) having at least one receiving opening (12) in a planar region of the first component (10), a plurality of clamping portions (14) extending from the edge (12a) of the receiving opening (12) in the direction of the center of the opening; providing a second component (18) having at least one extension (16) extending from a surface of the second component (18); and introducing the extension (16) into the receiving opening (12), thereby bending the clamping portions (14).