Vehicle Covering Assembly System with Levelling Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assembling vehicle coverings, such as floors, walls, and ceilings, are costly and time-consuming due to the need for precise adjustment and the use of multiple elements and chemical materials, which can be toxic and hinder disassembly, while also failing to provide adequate acoustic, thermal, and vibration insulation.

Innovation Solution

A standardized assembly system using extruded metal alloy or composite profiles with levelling supports and anti-vibration elements that allow for quick assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for shims and chemical adhesives, and ensuring uniform load distribution and improved insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If precise forming or machining of frames is used to provide support surfaces, then geometric continuity and flatness are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric continuityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is segmented into modular support elements that can be independently adjusted. Instead of requiring the entire frame to be precisely machined, individual support points can be positioned and leveled separately using adjustable mounting brackets and shims, dividing the complex manufacturing task into simpler, standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support system incorporates adjustable and movable elements rather than fixed rigid structures. Mountain bike frames use adjustable seat post height and handlebar positioning, allowing geometric continuity to be achieved through field adjustments rather than precise manufacturing, accommodating variations in frame fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If adjustment shims and fillets of different materials are used to arrange support surfaces, then geometric continuity is improved, but the number of elements and logistics complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface levelingVSAvoidnumber of elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A universal support bracket design is used that can accommodate multiple materials and thickness variations through standardized adjustment mechanisms. Instead of requiring different shims and fillets for each material type, a single multi-functional bracket system handles all support surface leveling needs, reducing the variety and quantity of elements required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support system uses adjustable parameters such as bolt length, shim thickness, and bracket positioning to achieve surface leveling. By changing these parameters rather than using different physical elements, the system reduces logistics complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate various support surface requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If chemical materials such as polyurethane are used for levelling, then surface adjustment is simplified, but curing time and toxicity risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface adjustmentVSAvoidcuring time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical levelling systems with mechanical adjustment mechanisms. Instead of using polyurethane or other adhesives that require curing time, the system employs adjustable mounting brackets, mechanical shims, and leveling screws that provide immediate surface adjustment without chemical processing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses simple, replaceable mechanical components such as shims and adjustment brackets that can be quickly installed and removed if needed. These short-living disposable or reusable elements eliminate the need for permanent chemical bonds, allowing rapid assembly and disassembly without curing wait times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Strength

If gluing and chemical reinforcement are used to attach coverings, then attachment strength is improved, but disassembly capability and maintenance accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddisassembly capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into modular mechanical fasteners rather than permanent chemical bonds. Coverings are attached using screws, clips, or snap-fit mechanisms that can be individually removed, allowing partial disassembly for maintenance while maintaining overall attachment strength through multiple distributed connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from static permanent bonds to dynamic reversible connections. Mechanical fasteners allow the covering to be securely attached during use but easily detached when maintenance is required, providing both strength and disassembly capability through the same system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Ease of manufacture

If standard attachment systems are used to attach coverings to frames, then assembly simplicity is improved, but acoustic, thermal, and vibration insulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidinsulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system merges mechanical fastening functions with insulation functions into a single integrated component. Mounting brackets and fasteners incorporate built-in vibration dampers, thermal breaks, and acoustic insulation layers, providing both secure attachment and harmful factor protection without requiring separate insulation materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment components are made from composite materials that simultaneously provide mechanical strength for attachment and insulation properties. For example, mounting brackets use composite materials with embedded vibration-damping layers or thermal-break structures, achieving both assembly simplicity and insulation performance through material composition rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system significantly reduces assembly and adjustment times, lowers costs, minimizes toxic risks, and enhances insulation performance by allowing for precise surface adjustment and uniform load distribution, while maintaining the interior volume and facilitating maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one anti-vibration element (12), joined to the levelling supports (10) and configured to be arranged between said levelling supports (10) and the profile (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

Said levelling supports (10) are height adjustable and said profiles (6) are levelled by said levelling supports (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentEP3772446B1Assembly system
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 ANSITEC SOLUCIONES DE ING E
  • EP3772446B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3772446B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3772446B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention consists of a system that enables the fitted assembly of the coverings on the structural frame of a vehicle by using a profile substructure together with bearing supports housed therein, which enable quick assembly and disassembly. The components of the system are standardised to adapt to different projects and do not require the use of adjustment shims or levelling with the provision of chemical products for a suitable attachment and structural resistance.