Tool-Free Connector Sliding Locking Mechanism for Vehicle Hydraulic Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners for vehicle hydraulic units are heavy, require high torque for assembly, and are prone to corrosion, making them inefficient for applications that do not require high strength or torque, and increasing assembly time and weight.
Innovation Solution
A mounting arrangement using a connector with a shank and flanges that slides into a bracket slot, featuring a resilient locking mechanism and lobes that secure the component in place, preventing removal without rotation, thus eliminating the need for high-torque assembly and reducing weight and corrosion risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal threaded fasteners are used, then high strength and high torque assembly joints are achieved, but weight increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate portions: a first portion with a shank and flanges that receives the bracket, and a second portion with lobes that provides locking engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall weight while maintaining joint strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static fastener to a dynamic assembly process where the second portion slides along the shank axis to engage the bracket. This dynamic insertion method eliminates the need for threaded engagement and high torque application, reducing both weight and assembly complexity.
2Strength
If conventional metal threaded fasteners are used, then high torque assembly is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket slot is pre-configured with an open end and varying width to guide and receive the connector portions in sequence. The first portion is inserted first, followed by the sliding engagement of the second portion, eliminating the need for sequential tightening operations required by threaded fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading mechanism and torque application requirement are extracted from the fastening system. Instead of using threads that require rotational torque, the invention uses a direct slide-in engagement with lobes that lock into the bracket, dramatically reducing assembly time.
3Ease of operation
If conventional metal threaded fasteners are used, then convenient fastening is achieved, but corrosion resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is formed from a non-metallic composite material that inherently resists corrosion. This composite construction maintains ease of operation through the slide-in mechanism while eliminating the corrosion susceptibility associated with conventional metal fasteners.
4Strength
If conventional metal threaded fasteners are used, then high torque connection is achieved, but weight and corrosion risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-metallic composite material provides inherent corrosion resistance while maintaining sufficient connection strength through the geometric design of the shank, flanges, and lobes that create mechanical interlocking with the bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a first portion having a shank defining an axis and a pair of flanges defining a receiving space therebetween, the pair of flanges extending from the shank substantially perpendicular to the axis. A second portion of the connector is movable relative to the first portion along the axis between a first position and a second position corresponding to a first configuration and a second configuration of the connector. The second portion includes at least one lobe that does not extend into the receiving space between the pair of flanges of the first portion when the connector is in the first configuration. The at least one lobe extends into the receiving space between the pair of flanges of the first portion when the connector is in the second configuration. The connector can be part of a mounting arrangement for mounting a component to a bracket.