Aerodynamic Underfloor Deflector Pre-Holding Cage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of large and heavy aerodynamic deflectors under the floor of motor vehicles is physically challenging for a single operator, posing safety risks due to the need for lifting heavy parts, and existing pre-holding systems are fragile and prone to separation during installation.
Innovation Solution
The design features a panel with integral fixing means, including cages that project laterally and engage with hooks on the vehicle floor, allowing for vertical engagement and rotation for secure attachment, facilitating single-operator installation without repeated efforts or difficult postures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fixing means are used for heavy aerodynamic deflectors, then the deflector can be secured to the vehicle floor, but a single operator cannot safely lift and install it due to weight exceeding 5 kg safety limits
Solution Approach 1:
The cages are pre-attached to the deflector panel before installation, allowing the operator to engage them with hooks on the vehicle floor without lifting the entire heavy deflector. The pre-positioned cages create leverage points that enable safe single-operator installation despite the deflector's considerable weight.
2Ease of operation
If existing pre-holding systems are transposed to floor deflectors, then installation might be facilitated, but the systems are fragile and can cause separation during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The cages are formed with curved, robust structures that provide inherent strength and resistance to deformation during installation. The curved geometry of the cages and hooks creates mechanically superior engagement points compared to straight or fragile pre-holding systems, preventing separation while enabling easy installation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the deflector is installed in one piece without segmentation, then structural integrity is maintained, but the installation process becomes physically difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector system is segmented into the panel and integral cages, with the cages positioned to engage with hooks on the vehicle floor. This segmentation allows the operator to install the deflector by engaging the cages with hooks and rotating the panel into place, rather than lifting and positioning the entire heavy panel at once, thereby improving assembly line productivity while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to an aerodynamic deflector (2) intended to be fixed under a motor vehicle floor (5). This deflector (2) comprises a panel (3) intended to cover the floor (5) and means for fixing to the floor, which are secured to the panel (3). These fixing means comprise, at one longitudinal end of the panel (3) and at each lateral edge thereof, a cage (7) that is open laterally towards the inside and has a notch (11), such that each of the two cages (7) can engage, via the notch (11), with a hook (13) on the vehicle, and allow the deflector (2) to rotate in order to be mounted.