Vehicle Fastening Structure for Automated Module Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a fastening structure that allows easy mounting and separation of a top hat or battery module on and from a chassis frame of a purpose-built vehicle (PBV), while enabling assembly automation.
Innovation Solution
A fastening apparatus with a first fastening unit, a casing, a moving unit, a second fastening unit, and a restoration unit, which includes a screw thread, guide rail, and an elastic member to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly of the top hat or battery module on the chassis frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fastening structure is used to connect the top hat or battery module to the chassis frame, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the mounting and separation processes are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening apparatus is divided into multiple independent units: a first fastening unit fixed to the top hat or battery module, a second fastening unit fixed to the chassis frame, and a moving unit that connects them. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy mounting and separation while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving unit is designed to move between a retracted position (for mounting) and an extended position (for separation). This dynamic capability allows the fastening apparatus to transition between different operational states, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex manual operations.
2Productivity
If manual fastening operations are used, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity and assembly automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The moving unit is equipped with an automatic actuating mechanism that enables the fastening and releasing operations to be performed automatically without manual intervention. The moving unit self-actuates to extend and retract, facilitating automated assembly lines and significantly improving productivity while maintaining full automation capability.
3Ease of operation
If the moving unit is allowed to move freely, then ease of operation is improved, but inconsistent assembly performance may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The moving unit is pre-configured with guide rails and positioning features that ensure it moves along a predetermined path. This preliminary arrangement of guiding structures ensures that the moving unit maintains consistent positioning during operation, achieving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening apparatus incorporates sensing mechanisms that detect the position and status of the moving unit. This feedback information is used to adjust and maintain consistent assembly performance, ensuring that the moving unit operates within precise parameters while remaining easy to control.
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
Enables easy and efficient mounting and separation of the top hat or battery module, ensuring consistent assembly performance and automation of the process.
Implementation Method 1
a restoration unit being configured to restore the moving unit to an initial position thereof, in response to the second fastening unit being separated from the first fastening unit
Implementation Method 2
The restoration unit may include an elastic member installed between the casing and the moving unit, the elastic member being expandable and contractable along a lengthwise direction thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening apparatus for a vehicle includes a first fastening unit fixed to a first structure, a casing fixed to a second structure and configured to face the first fastening unit, a moving unit installed inside the casing, and the moving unit being configured to ascend and descend, a second fastening unit rotatably combined with the moving unit and being configured to be fastened to or separated from the first fastening unit according to a rotational direction, and a restoration unit being configured to restore the moving unit to an initial position thereof, in response to the second fastening unit being separated from the first fastening unit.