Vehicle Roof Deflector Assembly with Elastic Stopper Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflector devices face challenges in assemblability and stability, particularly in the connection of the stopper member to the deflector, which can lead to assembly complexities and potential falling due to external forces.
Innovation Solution
The deflector device incorporates a configuration with support walls, bearing recessed portions, and a stopper member that allows for elastic deformation to facilitate assembly and restricts disengagement, featuring a guide portion and ribs for improved stability and reduced wobbling, along with a biasing member to maintain the deflector's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is joined integrally to the end portion of the deflector body and turnably connected to the arm portion, then the deflector can be deployed and stored, but the assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a first connector portion integrally joined to the deflector body and a second connector portion turnably connected to the arm portion. This segmentation allows the deflector to achieve deployment and storage functions while simplifying the assembly process by enabling modular connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the supported walls are allowed to elastically deform, then the assembly process is facilitated, but the stopper member may fall due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The supported walls are designed to be elastically deformable during assembly, allowing the shaft portions to be fitted into the bearing recessed portions. The elasticity enables the walls to dynamically adjust during assembly while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the supported walls is changed based on operational requirements. During assembly, the walls are in a flexible state to facilitate fitting, while during operation, the fitting piece restricts elastic deformation to maintain stability and prevent falling due to external forces.
3Reliability
If the fitting piece restricts elastic deformation of the supported walls, then the stopper member stability is improved, but the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting recessed portion is formed in advance in one of the deflector or stopper member, and the fitting piece is pre-formed to fit into it. This preliminary preparation allows the assembly process to proceed smoothly by guiding the supported walls into the correct position before the final fitting restriction takes effect.
4Ease of manufacture
If the guide portion is provided with increased separation distance, then the assemblability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion is provided with a local increase in separation distance between the support walls only in the specific region where the shaft portions need to be interposed. This localized modification improves assemblability without significantly increasing the overall structural complexity of the device.
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 configuration enhances assemblability, reduces the risk of the stopper member falling, ensures the deflector's stability in deployed and stored states, and simplifies the structure while maintaining the required deployment height and minimizing vehicle interior space occupation.
Implementation Method 1
both the supported walls are elastically deformed in the width direction of the vehicle so as to approach each other until both the shaft portions are interposed between the two support walls
Implementation Method 2
both the shaft portions are respectively fitted into the two bearing recessed portions by an elastic return of both the supported walls
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A deflector device includes: a deflector (20) that includes a deflector body (21) extending in a width direction of a vehicle and arm portions (22) respectively connected to both end portions of the deflector body, and protrudes upward from a roof (10) as the deflector is turned in one direction, and is stored below the roof as the deflector is turned in the other direction; a biasing member (40) biasing the deflector in a turning direction where the deflector protrudes upward; and a stopper member (30) which is connected to the deflector such that the stopper member can be turned around the axial line extending in the width direction of a vehicle, and which maintains the position of the deflector, and whose collapsed position is maintained by a housing (14) provided in a front edge portion of opening (11) in a state where the deflector is stored below the roof.