Vehicle Connector Anchors for Angled Assembly Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector systems in vehicles face inefficiencies in aligning assembling holes between connectors and vehicle parts, particularly when these components are at an angle, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a base with angled portions and anchors that automatically align with vehicle part slots, utilizing locking portions and slots to ensure precise alignment and secure attachment, even when the assembly is tilted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connector and vehicle part are positioned at an angle during assembly, then the connector can be installed at the required position, but the assembling holes cannot be aligned properly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector base is pre-designed with an angled structure matching the installation position. The anchors are pre-positioned on the base at specific angles, so when the connector is brought to the installation location, the anchors automatically engage with the slots in the correct orientation, aligning the assembling holes without requiring manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchors serve as intermediary elements between the connector base and the vehicle part. These anchors extend from the angled base and engage with corresponding slots in the vehicle part, mediating the angular relationship and enabling proper alignment of the assembling holes through their geometric configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment is performed to align assembling holes, then proper alignment can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector base with its angled design and pre-positioned anchors is a self-aligning structure. When installed at the designated position, the anchors automatically engage with the slots in the vehicle part, causing the connector to self-align and the assembling holes to automatically coincide, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and significantly improving assembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular configuration and anchor positions are predetermined during connector manufacturing. This preliminary design ensures that during assembly, the alignment function is already built into the structure, requiring no additional alignment operations and thus maintaining high assembly productivity while ensuring precise hole alignment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector uses a simple base structure, then manufacturing is easier, but alignment and securing functions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional elements: the base structure providing angular positioning, and separate anchors providing securing function. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simple processes, while their combined geometric relationship ensures reliable alignment and securing when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The base and anchors are merged into a single integrated connector component. The base provides the angular orientation while the anchors extend from it to provide securing engagement. This merging combines the positioning and securing functions into one piece that can be manufactured as a single unit, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable alignment and securing through the integrated geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a connector to attach an accessory member to a vehicle part. The connector includes a base including an assembling hole and a connecting hole positioned adjacent to a first end of the base to attach the accessory member, a first anchor positioned at a second end portion of the base opposite to the first end portion and a second anchor positioned adjacent to a side of the base between the first end portion and the second end portion. The assembling hole is used to receive a fastener to secure the connector to the vehicle part. The first anchor includes a first locking portion and a second anchor includes a second locking portion to facilitate alignment of the connector with the vehicle part during the assembling.