Composite Engine Acoustic Shield With Impact-Absorbing Center
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic protection screens for motor vehicle engines are fragile, lack robust fixation, and are difficult to decorate, while also requiring complex manufacturing processes due to non-homogeneous acoustic absorbing material structures.
Innovation Solution
A protective screen composed of a plastic first part, a polyurethane foam second part, and a fiberglass third part, with a central opening and side edges designed for improved rigidity, flexibility, and shock absorption, using a manufacturing process involving plastic injection forming, thermocompression, and overmolding of acoustic absorbing material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the screen is made entirely of polyurethane foam, then acoustic absorption is improved, but structural strength and fixation robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The screen combines polyurethane foam (acoustic absorption) with plastic material (structural strength) and fibrous material (impact absorption), creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves acoustic performance, mechanical strength, and pedestrian protection
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the screen is made entirely of polyurethane foam, then acoustic absorption is improved, but fixation robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic material provides a rigid framework with studs for reliable fixation to the engine, while the foam material fills the spaces for acoustic absorption, creating a composite structure that achieves both secure mounting and noise reduction
3Object-generated harmful factors
If foam material is used, then acoustic absorption is improved, but ease of decoration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic material forms the visible outer surface that can be easily decorated with paint or writing, while the foam material is positioned on the inner face for acoustic absorption, separating the aesthetic and acoustic functions
4Strength
If a plastic frame surrounding sound-absorbing material is used, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the frame structure and sound-absorbing material into a single integrated component formed by one-shot overmolding, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural strength
5Strength
If a plastic frame extending only to the periphery is used, then structural strength is improved, but aesthetic decoration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic material forms the complete visible surface including the upper central area, providing a continuous decorative surface, while the foam material is positioned on the inner face for acoustic absorption
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 solution provides increased rigidity and flexibility for effective shock absorption, ease of manufacturing, and enhanced aesthetic and acoustic performance by improving noise attenuation, with better decoration possibilities and robust fixation.
Implementation Method 1
A layer of sound-absorbing material is usually integrated into these screens, which helps reduce engine noise
Implementation Method 2
The screen not only protects the engine during impact, but also cushions the impact, and as a result, protects the pedestrian
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 2e~2h
AI summary
The invention relates to an acoustic shield (1) for a motor vehicle engine (2), comprising: a first portion (3) made of a plastic material, said first portion (3) comprising means for attaching the shield (1) to a motor vehicle engine (2), a second portion (4) made at least partially of a sound-absorbent material, said second portion (4) being intended for being placed in contact with the engine (2), wherein the first portion (3) covers the second portion (4) so as to at least partially conceal it and wherein the first portion (3) has a central opening (32) acting as a housing for a third portion (5), said third portion (5) being configured to absorb the impacts transmitted by the motor vehicle bonnet during a pedestrian impact.