Tail Light Bracket Assembly for Uniform Bumper Gap and Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for spacing apart automobile components, such as bumper and tail light housings, require the removal of other parts like the bumper to facilitate the removal of the tail light housing for bulb replacement, leading to inconsistent gaps and increased assembly tolerance.
Innovation Solution
A tail light housing bracket with clips at two heights on a common leg, allowing it to be clipped to both the bumper and the vehicle body without mechanical fastening to the light housing, enabling easy removal of the light housing without dismantling other parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the spacing bracket is mechanically fastened to the light housing, then the gap between bumper and light housing is uniform and consistent, but the bumper must be removed to replace light bulbs
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into two independent attachment systems: clips for the bumper and tabs for the light housing. This allows the light housing to be removed independently by detaching only the tabs, while the bumper remains attached through its clips, enabling bulb replacement without removing the bumper.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary component between the bumper and light housing, providing a mediating attachment mechanism. The dual-attachment system (clips for bumper, tabs for housing) allows the intermediary to facilitate both secure positioning and independent removal of the light housing.
2Ease of operation
If the light housing is not mechanically fastened to the bracket, then the light housing can be easily removed, but the gap between bumper and light housing becomes larger and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into non-permanent clips that allow easy detachment. The clips engage with recesses in the light housing to maintain consistent positioning and gap uniformity during normal operation, but can be easily released by applying force to the release tabs, enabling simple removal without mechanical fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static mechanical fastening to a dynamic clip-based system with release tabs. This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to be easily changed from engaged to disengaged state, providing both consistent positioning when attached and easy removability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for controlling the gap between a light housing and bumper on a vehicle, the bracket is provided that includes a first generally flat surface defined by a first bracket leg, a series of second surfaces defined by the first bracket leg and raised above the first surface, a mounting surface defined by a second bracket leg. The bracket also provides one or more first clips supported on the first surface of the first bracket leg to clip a vehicle bumper to the bracket and one or more second clips each supported on a second surface of the first bracket leg to clip a light housing to the bracket. The bracket allows a small uniform gap to be provided between the light housing and bumper and allows the light housing to be removed without removal of the bumper.