Sliding Element Groove for Thermal Expansion Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastening devices for vehicle body parts, particularly those made of plastics, face issues with irreversible deformation due to thermal expansion, leading to aesthetic and functional problems, and the sliding elements' movement is impeded by drying liquids in gaps, causing rattling and high rework costs.
Innovation Solution
A component with a longitudinal groove and channels for liquid drainage is designed, allowing the sliding element to move freely and compensate for thermal expansion, while the surface treatment reduces wettability to enhance liquid drainage, preventing sticking and movement impediment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a narrow gap is selected between the sliding element and the body part to prevent rattling and ensure low joint tolerance, then the sliding element's movement is impeded by drying liquids in the gap, causing sticking and movement impediment
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the sliding element and body part is segmented into multiple regions by introducing channels. These channels divide the continuous gap into separate zones, allowing liquid to be drained from specific areas while maintaining the overall narrow gap structure for low joint tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
Channels are introduced as intermediary structures within the gap region. These channels act as mediators that facilitate liquid drainage while preserving the narrow gap dimensions needed for low joint tolerance and preventing rattling.
2Reliability
If the sliding element is tightly fitted to the body part to prevent rattling, then liquid accumulates in the gap during painting, causing the sliding element to stick and deform permanently
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful liquid is extracted from the gap between the sliding element and body part through the introduction of channels. These channels provide a pathway for liquid to be removed from the critical interface area, preventing accumulation and subsequent sticking.
Solution Approach 2:
The narrow gap that initially causes liquid accumulation and sticking is transformed into a beneficial structure by adding channels. The same tight fit that prevents rattling now works in conjunction with channels to enable controlled liquid drainage, converting the harmful accumulation effect into a beneficial drainage function.
3Shape
If the component is rigidly attached to the vehicle, then the plastic body part deforms irreversibly due to thermal expansion in the paint dryer, but if loosely attached, then rattling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The sliding element can move within the longitudinal groove, allowing the body part to dynamically adjust its position in response to thermal expansion while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the form of sliding element position within the longitudinal groove. This enables the body part to accommodate thermal expansion by changing its relative position to the vehicle structure, preventing irreversible deformation.
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 solution effectively prevents plastic deformation and reduces rework costs by ensuring smooth sliding movement and improved quality, minimizing rejects and reassembly needs.
Implementation Method 1
plastics are also being used as body parts, which have a significantly higher coefficient of thermal expansion than steel or aluminum. When heated in a paint dryer, a plastic body part expands correspondingly more.
Implementation Method 2
due to such gap mass and due to the capillary action of a liquid (coating media, KTL, filler, base coat, top coat), e.g. when the paint is drying, the liquid in the gap dries and impedes the sliding properties
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The component (101) has a metal sliding element (102) that slidingly engages into a longitudinal groove (104) i.e. sliding-element break-through. A channel discharges liquid between the component and the sliding element in an overlapping region. The channel is implemented as a longitudinal groove (105) or as a transverse groove (106) partly along the longitudinal groove. The channel is provided in the component and/or in the sliding element. The component is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, light alloy such as aluminum, magnesium or titanium, or steel.