Vehicle Locator Device for Outer Body Panel Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle systems lack a reliable method to maintain precise alignment of outer body panels during removal and reattachment, which can lead to misalignment and safety concerns, especially when replacing panels for aesthetic or off-roading purposes.

Innovation Solution

A locator device is temporarily attached to both the motor vehicle body and the outer body panel, allowing for precise alignment and subsequent rigid connection, ensuring the panel's original position is maintained even when removed and reattached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If outer body panels are removed and reattached for aesthetic or damage reasons, then panel replacement flexibility is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates leading to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel replacement flexibilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locator device is installed on the vehicle body before the outer body panel is removed. This preliminary placement ensures that when the panel is reattached, the locator device automatically guides it back to the precise original position, eliminating alignment issues while maintaining replacement flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locator device acts as an intermediary component between the vehicle body and the outer body panel. It provides a mechanical reference that mediates the alignment process, ensuring precise positioning during panel removal and reattachment operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If outer body panels are reattached without a positioning system, then reattachment speed is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereattachment speedVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locator device enables the outer body panel to self-align during reattachment. The panel's mounting features naturally engage with the locator device, allowing workers to quickly reattach panels without requiring manual measurement or adjustment tools, thus maintaining both speed and accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If a locator device is added to maintain panel alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel alignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment function is segmented into a separate, standalone locator device that can be independently installed on the vehicle body. This modular approach adds precision functionality without complicating the overall panel or vehicle structure, as the locator device operates as a discrete component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locator device serves as a simple intermediary component that bridges the gap between the vehicle body and panel without requiring complex integration. Its straightforward mechanical design provides alignment functionality while minimizing added system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If outer body panels are removed and reattached multiple times, then panel maintenance flexibility is improved, but cumulative misalignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel maintenance flexibilityVSAvoidalignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locator device is pre-installed on the vehicle body before any panel removal occurs. This preliminary positioning reference remains in place through multiple removal and reattachment cycles, consistently guiding panels back to their original positions and preventing cumulative misalignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locator device provides continuous positional feedback during each panel reattachment. By maintaining a fixed reference on the vehicle body, it allows workers to verify alignment during each cycle, ensuring that no drift or cumulative error develops over multiple maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10843640B2Vehicle with locator device configured to maintain outer body panel alignment, and corresponding method

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle with a locator device configured to maintain outer body panel alignment, and a corresponding method. In particular, an example method includes temporarily attaching a locator device to one of a body of a motor vehicle and an outer body panel connectable to the body. The method further includes connecting the outer body panel to the body, and rigidly connecting the locator device to the other of the body and the outer body panel.