Tail Light Latching Assembly for Secure Vehicle Body Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching tail lights to vehicle bodies are complex and lack efficient solutions for secure, multi-directional positioning and easy assembly/disassembly, often requiring multiple steps and tools.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing interlocking connection points and a latching mechanism, such as a snap hook, to securely attach the tail light in all spatial directions, with additional screws for stability, allowing for one-handed assembly and easy disassembly using a screwdriver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple attachment means (interlocking points + latching connection + screws) are used to secure the tail light in all spatial directions, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into three functional segments: interlocking connection points for basic positioning, latching connection for securing in all spatial directions, and screws for final stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring all components to perform every function, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through clear functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking connection points and latching connection are installed before the final screw fixation. The latching connection with its movable snap hook end can be engaged preliminarily to establish the tail light in all spatial directions before the final screw attachment, allowing for easy adjustment and positioning before permanent fixation.
2Ease of operation
If a latching connection with a movable snap hook end is used to establish the tail light in all spatial directions, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the risk of damage to the snap hook increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap hook end is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust during assembly and disassembly operations. This movability enables the latching connection to be engaged and disengaged easily by hand, significantly improving ease of operation while the dynamic nature allows the structure to absorb operational stresses without permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable snap hook end acts as an intermediary element between the fixed interlocking connection points and the final screw fixation. It provides a flexible intermediate state that allows for easy assembly and disassembly while distributing mechanical stresses, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the snap hook itself through proper force distribution during operational cycles.
3Ease of operation
If the tail light is preassembled in an interlocking manner allowing displacement, then the ease of adjustment during assembly is improved, but the fixation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking connection points are established preliminarily to allow the tail light to be positioned and adjusted in all spatial directions before final fixation. This preliminary interlocking arrangement provides the necessary freedom for adjustment and alignment while maintaining basic structural connection, enabling easy positioning before the latching connection and screws provide final stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a dynamic state to a static state through sequential engagement of attachment means. Initially, the interlocking connection points provide a dynamic, adjustable connection allowing displacement. As the latching connection with its movable snap hook end is engaged and finally the screws are tightened, the system progressively transitions to a stable, fixed state, combining ease of adjustment with final fixation stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for releasably attaching a tail light to a vehicle body of a motor vehicle. The tail light is or becomes connected to the vehicle body in an interlocking manner on at least two interlocking connection points. In order to simplify the releasable attachment of the tail light, the tail light is connected to the vehicle body by way of at least one latching connection in addition to the interlocking connection points in order to establish the tail light in an assembled position in all spatial directions.