Vehicle Fastening Device Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for aligning add-on parts on a vehicle body require complex and time-consuming alignment processes, often necessitating separate alignment and fastening steps, and are limited to attaching a single add-on part at a time.
Innovation Solution
A device with local separation of fastening and alignment means, utilizing a linear adjusting element like a threaded bolt axially fixed to the assembly support, allowing for one-time alignment of multiple add-on parts without requiring alignment of the holding unit, and featuring guide means for secure positioning and adjustment in both vehicle transverse and longitudinal directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a holding unit is used to attach add-on parts to a mounting bracket, then the add-on parts can be secured and aligned, but the alignment process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring separate alignment and fastening steps
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the holding unit into distinct functional components: a fastening means (threaded shank and nut) for securing the add-on part, and an independent alignment means (linear adjusting element with threaded bolt) for positioning. This segmentation allows parallel execution of fastening and alignment operations, eliminating sequential dependencies and reducing total assembly time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear adjusting element is pre-installed and axially fixed to the mounting bracket before the add-on part is attached. This preliminary positioning establishes the alignment reference in advance, allowing the add-on part to be directly positioned and secured without requiring subsequent alignment adjustments of the holding unit itself, thereby reducing assembly steps and time.
2Manufacturing precision
If a holding unit is aligned on the assembly support before attaching the bumper cover, then proper positioning is achieved, but the assembly effort increases due to two alignment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented from the holding unit and assigned to a dedicated linear adjusting element. This element provides precise alignment through its threaded mechanism while the holding unit focuses solely on securing the add-on part. The separation eliminates the need to align the entire holding unit, reducing assembly effort while maintaining precision through the specialized alignment component.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear adjusting element acts as an intermediary between the mounting bracket and the add-on part. It mediates the alignment function by providing a controlled adjustment mechanism that positions the add-on part precisely without requiring the holding unit itself to be aligned, thereby simplifying the assembly process while preserving manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If threaded bushings distributed along the holding unit are used for fastening and alignment, then adjustment is possible, but only a single add-on part can be attached in an aligned manner
Solution Approach 1:
The linear adjusting element is designed as a universal alignment mechanism that can accommodate multiple add-on parts simultaneously. By providing a common adjustment reference that extends along the mounting bracket, the system enables coordinated positioning of multiple components (such as bumper cover and headlight housing) relative to the vehicle body, transforming the single-part limitation into multi-part capability while preserving adjustment precision.
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
Significantly reduces assembly and alignment effort, enabling easy and precise alignment of multiple add-on parts, such as a bumper cover and headlight housing, while ensuring secure attachment and stability, particularly in the vehicle vertical direction.
Implementation Method 1
The linear adjusting element is designed as a threaded bolt, with a head of the threaded bolt being axially fixed by means of a fixing element that is firmly connected to the assembly support. A shank of the threaded bolt engages in a threaded bore of the holding unit, so that the holding unit is mounted displaceably relative to the mounting bracket, which predetermines an adjustment direction of the threaded bolt.
Implementation Method 2
the fixing element is connected to the assembly support by latching in a bearing recess of the same. The fixing element can thus be easily brought into a defined installation position by clipping it in and thus enables a defined arrangement of the holding unit on the assembly support.
Data Source
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AI summary
The aligning device has a holding unit (3) that is mounted on an assembly support unit (2). The fastening units (30,31) are provided to attach an attachment portion, and an aligning unit is arranged to align the attachment portion relative to an adjustment direction. The aligning unit is axially fixed with a threaded bolt (9) connected to the assembly support unit. A support portion (8) of the holding unit is arranged to adjust in the adjustment direction (H) related to the engagement with the threaded bolt. The fastening units are arranged at remote location of threaded bolt. An independent claim is included for a method for aligning of attachment to chassis of vehicle.