Vehicle Closure Device with Integrated Deformation Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional closure devices for vehicles, such as air flap systems, have complex and expensive designs that require significant installation space and material, leading to increased vehicle weight and production costs, and complicate assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A closure device with a carrier element and integrated deformation elements that absorb impact energy, serving both as an air inlet regulator and energy absorber, designed to reduce installation space and costs by incorporating a multifunctional design that includes crash boxes and a monolithic injection molded part with a deformation profile, allowing for improved aerodynamics and pedestrian protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional closure devices are used to regulate air inlet, then air inlet regulation function is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair inlet regulation functionVSAvoidclosure device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the closure device with deformation elements (crash boxes) into a single integrated structure. The closure device includes a carrier element that accommodates closure elements for air inlet regulation, while simultaneously incorporating deformation elements for impact energy absorption. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening means and deformation elements, reducing device complexity and installation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device is designed to perform multiple functions: regulating air inlet to the functionally essential component, absorbing impact energy through integrated deformation elements, and providing structural support. The carrier element serves both as a mounting structure for closure elements and as an integrated component containing deformation elements, making the device universal and multifunctional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate deformation elements are added for impact energy absorption, then safety is improved, but installation space and material requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation elements are merged into the carrier element of the closure device, forming an integrated structure. The carrier element includes recesses or cavities that accommodate the deformation elements, eliminating the need for separate installation space for crash boxes while maintaining impact energy absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation elements are nested within the carrier element structure. The carrier element contains recesses that house the deformation elements, allowing the deformation elements to be positioned within the existing closure device volume without requiring additional installation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple fastening means are used for front-end module assembly, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront-end module assemblyVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is designed as a self-contained unit that integrates all necessary functions (air inlet regulation and impact energy absorption) into a single assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components requiring fastening, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural stability through the integrated carrier element design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The front-end module is segmented into modular components, with the closure device forming a complete functional unit that can be installed as a single assembly. The closure device itself is segmented into a carrier element and closure elements, allowing for simplified assembly while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 closure device reduces assembly complexity and costs while enhancing aerodynamic performance and safety by integrating energy absorption capabilities, protecting critical components during impacts and optimizing the use of installation space.

Implementation Method 1

the closure device has at least one deformation element for absorbing impact energy on the vehicle, in particular on the front of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact energy absorption: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3106339B1Closure device for closing a vital functional component of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.08.07 HBPO GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a closure device (10) for closing a functionally essential component of a vehicle, in particular a radiator, with at least one closure element (11) for regulating an air inlet to the functionally essential component, and a support element (12) for receiving the at least one closure element (11), wherein the closure device (10) has at least one deformation element (20) for absorbing impact energy on the vehicle.