Motor Vehicle Window Lifter Assembly Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle assembly methods introduce undesired tensions and deformations in thin-walled components due to fastening elements, and struggle with aligning components with manufacturing tolerances, particularly when connecting metallic and plastic parts.
Innovation Solution
The assembly features a first component with a flexible, shiftable edge section and a second component with a protruding section that fits into a receptacle, allowing for relative positioning and adjustment before fastening, using a form fit and friction lock to secure the components together, thereby reducing unwanted loadings and compensating for tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fastening elements (screws or rivets) are used to connect components, then the two components are fixed together in a relative position, but undesired tensions and deformations are introduced into the components
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding section is inserted into the receptacle before the fastening element is introduced. This preliminary action allows the components to be preliminarily positioned and aligned, so that when the fastening element is later inserted, the openings are already properly aligned, preventing the need for forceful alignment that would cause deformations
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding section acts as an intermediary element between the two components. It provides a mechanical guide that mediates the alignment process, allowing the openings to be aligned without direct force applied to the component bodies, thereby preventing unwanted tensions and deformations
2Stability of the object's composition
If openings are provided on both components for fastening element engagement, then the components can be fixed together, but manufacturing tolerances cause misalignment of the openings
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding section on one component automatically guides the alignment with the receptacle on the other component. This self-aligning mechanism compensates for manufacturing tolerances without requiring external alignment tools or procedures, allowing the openings to self-align when the protruding section is inserted into the receptacle
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding section is inserted into the receptacle before the fastening element is introduced. This preliminary action allows the components to be preliminarily positioned and aligned, so that when the fastening element is later inserted, the openings are already properly aligned, preventing the need for forceful alignment that would cause deformations
3Weight of moving object
If thin-walled components are used to save weight, then the vehicle weight is reduced, but the components are more susceptible to deformations from fastening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding section is inserted into the receptacle before the fastening element is introduced. This preliminary action allows the components to be preliminarily positioned and aligned, so that when the fastening element is later inserted, the openings are already properly aligned, preventing the need for forceful alignment that would cause deformations in thin-walled components
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding section acts as an intermediary element between the two components. It provides a mechanical guide that mediates the alignment process, allowing the openings to be aligned without direct force applied to the component bodies, thereby preventing unwanted tensions and deformations in thin-walled structures
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
This solution ensures a secure, tolerance-compensating connection between metallic and plastic parts, reducing unwanted tensions and deformations, and facilitating precise alignment and fixation of components, even with manufacturing deviations.
Implementation Method 1
A first opening on a first component is bordered by a flexible shiftable edge section of the first component, which is shifted from the fastening element in respect to an unloaded original status in which the first component is not fixed to the second component
Implementation Method 2
a section protruding from the second component in direction to the first component extends into the receptacle of the first component, wherein said section borders the second opening of the second component
Implementation Method 3
Fastening elements (for instance screws or rivets) are usually applied for connecting components of a motor vehicle assembly, which brace the two components against each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle comprising at least a first component and a second component, for example a carrier and a guide rail of a window lifter which are fixed together by means of at least one fastening element, in this case by a plurality of rivets. A fastening element engages into openings of which one opening respectively is formed in a receiving portion of the first component and one on a protrusion of the second component, wherein a protrusion respectively protrudes in an associated receiving portion and a flexible or elastic edge section of a receiving portion can be shifted in the direction of the associated protrusion. The at least one edge section that can be shifted in a flexible manner is designed and provided for compensating manufacturing tolerances, such that the two components automatically align to one another in the area of the flexible edge section during the fastening process and can form a solid connection as intended, wherein the protruding section is locked in the receiving portion by the edge section which is shifted and pushed against the protruding section.