Exterior Vision Unit Fastening With Spring-Biased Collision Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening constructions for exterior vision units in motor vehicles, such as rearview mirrors and LiDAR sensors, lack sufficient holding strength and secure positioning, especially during collisions, and are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A fastening construction for exterior vision units featuring a shaft with an axial contact element, a compressible spring surrounded by a positioning element, and a locking element with inclined contact portions that transmit radial forces to enhance holding strength and facilitate simple assembly and disassembly, using components like C-shaped clips and Garter springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring is positioned on the shaft to bias against a positioning element, then the fastening construction provides automatic return force, but the holding strength is insufficient during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening construction is divided into distinct functional segments: the spring provides return force, while the separate locking element with inclined contact portions provides enhanced holding strength. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening construction combines elastic material (spring) with rigid locking elements featuring inclined contact surfaces. This composite approach merges the advantages of elastic recovery with mechanical locking strength, achieving both automatic return and collision resistance.
2Strength
If a complex locking mechanism is used to enhance holding strength, then the fastening becomes secure during collisions, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element incorporates inclined contact portions that dynamically convert axial spring force into radial locking force during assembly, and reverse during disassembly. This dynamic mechanism provides strong locking without requiring complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined contact portions enable the locking element to self-lock under spring force during assembly, and self-release when the spring is compressed during disassembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex tools or procedures while maintaining strong holding capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking element has a simple annular shape, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element features inclined contact portions at specific locations on its annular structure. This local quality enhancement provides precise positioning and reliable force transmission at critical points while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective for manufacturing.
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
The solution provides enhanced holding strength, secure positioning, and allows for easy assembly and disassembly of exterior vision units, while also enabling decoupling under external forces, such as during collisions, using lightweight and cost-effective materials like molded plastic.
Implementation Method 1
A spring (16) is configured to surround the outer radial surface of the shaft (12) and is compressible in axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The second contact portion (26b) of the locking element (26) is inclined radially outward from the axial direction and/or the second portion (20) of the positioning element (18) is inclined radially inward from the axial direction to transmit a force of the spring (16) acting on the positioning element (18) in a direction that is inclined radially inwards from the axial direction onto the locking element (26)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a fastening construction comprising a base part fixedly connectable to a vehicle, a locking element, a spring, and a positioning element. The base part comprises a shaft having an axial contact element extending axially. The spring is configured to surround the outer radial surface of the shaft and be compressed axially. The positioning element comprises a first portion configured to engage and position a first axial end of the spring relative to the shaft, and a second portion configured to cooperate with a second contact portion of the locking element in the axial direction. The locking element comprises a first contact portion configured to cooperate with the axial contact element of the shaft, and a second contact portion inclined radially outward and/or inward to transmit a force of the spring acting on the positioning element to bias the locking element against the axial contact element.