Support Device for Vehicle Exterior Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for vehicle exterior add-on parts with different geometries are not adaptable enough, requiring multiple devices and significant space, which is costly and inefficient under competitive pressure for quick and precise assembly.
Innovation Solution
A support device with multiple support groups, each with disc-shaped elements precisely adapted to specific component geometries, allowing only the upper edges of these elements to form the support surface when actuated, ensuring optimal positioning without elastic deformation and accommodating various geometries with precise fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate support devices are kept for different component geometries, then each component can be supported with optimal geometry adaptation, but the space requirement and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with multiple support groups (first, second, third support groups) that can be selectively actuated to provide geometry-adapted support for different component types. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple dedicated support devices, reducing workshop space requirements while maintaining optimal support for various component geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates actuable support elements that can dynamically change their configuration based on the component being supported. The support groups can be raised or lowered independently, allowing the device to adapt its geometry to match different component shapes, thereby providing optimal support without requiring separate static devices for each geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformable cushions are used to adapt to component geometry, then the support adapts to the component shape, but the positional accuracy decreases due to elastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using continuously deformable cushions, the invention employs discrete actuable support elements that can be raised or lowered in controlled positions. This dynamic configuration allows the support surface to adapt to component geometry while maintaining rigid, precise support points that ensure high positional accuracy for component placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is divided into multiple independent support groups with discrete support elements rather than a continuous deformable surface. Each support group can be independently actuated, creating a segmented support structure that adapts to geometry through discrete positioning rather than continuous deformation, thereby maintaining positional precision.
3Area of stationary object
If a single support device is used for all component geometries, then space and cost are reduced, but the adaptability to specific component geometries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support device integrates multiple support groups (first, second, third support groups) with different geometric configurations into a single unified structure. Each support group is designed to accommodate specific component geometries, allowing the device to function as multiple dedicated support devices would, thereby reducing workshop space while maintaining high adaptability and support precision for various component types.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3a~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a supporting device for a plurality of components (100, 200, 100*) with different geometries, in particular for a plurality of geometrically different motor-vehicle external attachments made of polymer material, having a support frame (30), a drive (40) arranged on the support frame (30) and at least two supporting groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) arranged on the support frame (30), wherein each supporting group (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) serves as a supporting surface for a particular component geometry, wherein each supporting group (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) has at least two spaced-apart, disc-shaped supporting elements (1', 1'', 1'''; 2', 2'', 2''', etc.), the upwardly facing rim (10', 10'', 10'''; 20', 20'', 20''', etc.) of each of which already has, in the unloaded state, a contour adapted to the geometry of the associated component (100, 200, 100*). By means of the drive (40), the supporting elements (1', 1'', 1'''; 2', 2'', 2''', etc.) are movable such that only the supporting elements (1', 1'', 1'''; 2', 2'', 2''', etc.) of a single supporting group (1, 2, etc.) protrude upwards such that the upwardly facing rims (10', 10'', 10'''; 20', 20'', 20''', etc.) thereof form the supporting surface for the component geometry associated therewith.