Intermediate Structural Member for Vehicle Accessory Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of vehicle-body accessories using adhesive materials, such as double-sided adhesive tape, often results in alignment mistakes and premature detachment due to weight and movement-related vibrations, leading to waste of material and improper attachment.
Innovation Solution
The use of intermediate structural members with discrete projections and depressions, which are secured to both the accessory and the vehicle body using adhesive materials, allowing for precise positioning and secure attachment without damaging the vehicle or accessory, and optionally featuring alignment tabs for improved installation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive material is used to install vehicle-body accessories, then the installation process is simple, but alignment mistakes occur and adhesive material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing templates that are pre-configured with adhesive material and alignment features before the actual accessory installation. The templates are prepared in advance with correct positioning, allowing workers to simply attach the template to the vehicle body, then use it as a guide for precise accessory placement without requiring complex alignment procedures during the actual installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses templates as intermediary elements between the worker and the accessory installation process. These templates serve as mediating tools that incorporate both adhesive material and alignment features, eliminating the need for direct manual alignment of the accessory to the vehicle body. The template acts as a bridge that transfers the correct positioning information to the accessory being installed.
2Ease of manufacture
If double-sided adhesive tape is used to install vehicle-body accessories, then the installation process is simple, but the accessory detaches prematurely due to weight and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the attachment system into multiple components: the vehicle body, the template (which remains attached), and the accessory. The template segments the attachment function by providing a stable base with distributed adhesive points, allowing the accessory to be securely mounted through this intermediate structure rather than relying on a single continuous tape that can detach under stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the template structure to absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses and vibrations that would otherwise directly affect the adhesive bond. The template acts as a cushioning element that is already in place before the accessory is attached, protecting the adhesive connection from the harmful effects of vehicle vibrations and dynamic loads.
3Productivity
If adhesive material is applied without proper positioning, then the installation process is fast, but alignment mistakes and material waste occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring templates with correct geometric dimensions, adhesive material placement, and alignment features before the installation process begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during actual accessory installation, maintaining high productivity while ensuring precise positioning through the pre-designed template structure.
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 method ensures accurate alignment and secure attachment of vehicle-body accessories without the need for structural modifications, reduces adhesive waste, and prevents premature detachment, providing a reliable and aesthetically integrated installation solution.
Implementation Method 1
securing adhesive material to an intermediate structural member
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for installing a vehicle-body accessory on a corresponding vehicle body include a vehicle-body accessory and an intermediate structural member configured to be positioned between the vehicle-body accessory and the corresponding vehicle body. The intermediate structural member includes one or more of a plurality of discrete projections and/or a plurality of discrete depressions for securing the structural member to the body and body accessory, such as with adhesive, spanning the projections and/or depressions. In some embodiments the structural member at least generally conforms to an internal recess, or channel, in the vehicle-body accessory. In some embodiments, the structural member includes at least one, optionally removable, alignment tab to facilitate proper installation of the intermediate structural member on a vehicle body.