Dovetail Guide for Motor Vehicle Sensor Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle exterior components with receiving openings for electronic sensors face challenges in adjusting camera systems due to positional tolerances, requiring larger openings that compromise aesthetics and drag coefficient, and are inaccessible after installation.
Innovation Solution
A component with a receiving opening that can be closed by a cover or carrier, both of which fit into a dovetail guide, allowing for flush closure and easy integration of functional elements with trapezoidal shapes and hooks for secure alignment, accommodating various sensors and light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If larger mounting openings are provided in the radiator grille to compensate for positional tolerances, then the camera system can be adjusted after installation, but the openings disturb the optics, compromise aesthetics, and increase drag coefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The component is divided into a fixed housing and a movable carrier that can be independently adjusted. The carrier holds the camera and can be positioned within the receiving opening without requiring the entire opening to be large, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing a large opening in the radiator grille, the invention uses a dovetail guide mechanism that enables adjustment in a different dimensional space - the carrier can move along the dovetail guide within the confines of a smaller, aesthetically pleasing opening.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the receiving opening is closed with a cover, then the aesthetic appearance is improved and drag coefficient is reduced, but the opening cannot accommodate functional sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The component is designed with multi-functionality: it can serve as an aesthetic closure when fitted with a cover, or as a functional mounting structure when the carrier with sensor is installed. The dovetail guide mechanism enables both configurations to be securely fitted within the same receiving opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier with sensor nests within the housing and can be removed to allow installation of a cover. The dovetail guide enables the carrier to be inserted and secured within the confines of the housing, creating a nested structure that provides both aesthetic closure and functional capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A component (1) for the exterior of a motor vehicle is proposed, which has at least one receiving opening (4) for receiving an electrical component (17) for the exterior, wherein the component (1) can be closed with both a non-functional cover (2) and a carrier (3) for the electrical component (1), and both the cover (2) and the carrier (3) can be inserted into a dovetail guide (5) of the component (1).