Snap-Fit Light Source Mounting Plate for Hidden Vehicle Wall Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting light sources on vehicle walls, such as railway vehicles, are aesthetically unpleasing, require specific tools, and are time-consuming, especially when the mounting plate is not visible to the operator.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece mounting plate with snap-fastening retaining members, including elastically deformable tabs and stops, allows for quick and tool-free installation of light sources on a vehicle wall, even when the plate is not visually accessible, integrating multiple functions in a single, lightweight, and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods (screws, nuts, threaded rods) are used to secure light sources to vehicle walls, then the light source can be firmly fixed, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, nuts, threaded rods) with an elastic retention system. The elastic element deforms under insertion force to allow the light source to pass through, then returns to its original state to retain the light source firmly without requiring any threading or nut tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate incorporates an elastic element that automatically performs the fixation function. When the light source is inserted, the elastic element self-activates by deforming and then returning to its original shape, creating a self-regulating retention mechanism that requires no manual intervention beyond insertion.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting plates with multiple components are used, then the light source can be securely mounted, but the device complexity increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting plate, retention mechanism, and fixation elements into a single integrated component. The elastic element is incorporated directly into the mounting plate structure, eliminating the need for separate nuts, screws, and threaded rods, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining secure mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, positioning alignment, and retention functionality. The single piece structure performs multiple functions that traditionally required separate components, simplifying the overall assembly.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive is used to attach the mounting plate to the vehicle wall, then the mounting can be simplified, but the mounting plate requires precise alignment with the wall opening which is difficult when not visually accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a positioning element that protrudes from the mounting plate to engage with the vehicle wall opening before adhesive application. This preliminary positioning action ensures correct alignment of the central opening with the wall opening, allowing the operator to correctly position the plate without visual access during the adhesive bonding process.
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
Enables rapid and intuitive immobilization of light sources without the need for specialized tools, reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Implementation Method 1
chacun ditab (53) déformable élastiquement de manière à ce que sa partie saillante permette, dune part, dappasser une force dans un premier sens pour permettre dappasser ladite portion du projecteur à travers ledit tab lors dun montage en un cliquetis et, dautre part, dappasser une force dans un second sens, opposé au premier sens, pour permettre dappasser ladite portion du projecteur à travers ledit tab lors dun démontage
Data Source
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AI summary
This mounting plate (5) allows a light source (7) to be mounted on one face (31) of a plate belonging to a wall of a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle. This plate is equipped with an opening for the passage of a light beam from the light source. The mounting plate has a central opening, designed to be aligned with the opening in the plate, and retaining elements (53, 54) for the light source. These retaining elements operate by snap-fit and include at least one elastically deformable tab (53) for attaching the light source and at least one stop (54) for locking the light source onto the mounting plate.