Vehicle Add-On Mount With Polygon Profile for Zero-Play Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for add-on parts on vehicles require costly preparation and either result in permanent attachment or precise geometry matching for zero-play engagement, limiting ease of installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring a profiled connection part with a regular polygon cross-section and a trapezoidal groove, allowing for a frictional or form-closure connection with a connecting element, enabling easy installation and removal without the need for pre-drilled threads or weldability, and accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the base of the add-on part is screwed directly onto the vehicle, then a secure connection is achieved, but costly preparation is required to provide threads on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection part as an intermediary element between the add-on part and the vehicle. This connection part features a profiled element with a cross-section corresponding to a regular polygon that interfaces with a matching groove in the base, while the opposite surface contacts the vehicle. This mediator eliminates the need for thread preparation on the vehicle while maintaining secure connection through the profiled engagement mechanism.
2Strength
If the base of the add-on part is welded directly to the vehicle, then a strong permanent connection is achieved, but the add-on part cannot be non-destructively removed and weldability preparation is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into three distinct components: the add-on part with its base, a separate connection part with profiled element, and the vehicle. The connection part acts as a reusable intermediary that can be detached and reattached, enabling non-destructive removal and reinstallation of the add-on part while maintaining strong connection during use through the profiled engagement and welding or adhesive bonding of the connection part itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If the base geometry is precisely matched for zero-backlash engagement, then zero-play centering is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric profiled element with a cross-section corresponding to a regular polygon (such as triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, or heptagon) that does not have 90-degree interior angles. This asymmetric geometric form engages with a matching asymmetric groove in the base, providing self-centering and zero-backlash engagement while being more tolerant to manufacturing variations compared to precision-matched flat surfaces, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system for add-on parts to vehicles allows the add-on parts to be easily installed and removed. The fastening system includes a connection part that lies against the vehicle and the add-on part, which includes a base. The connection part is designed as a profiled element whose outer surface corresponds to the outer surface of a prism having a cross section of a regular polygon with at least one interior angle deviating from 90°. The base has a trapezoidal groove with opposing surfaces on opposing sides of a base surface that are arranged at an angle from each other. The two opposing surfaces lie flush with wiggle-free engagement against two lateral surfaces of the connection part. A hole extends through the base symmetrically with respect to the groove. A connecting element is inserted through an opening in the base and engages in a receptacle of the connection part.