Engine Cover Snap Latch Assembly for NVH Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern engine covers face challenges in combining functionality, serviceability, and aesthetics within the limited space of a vehicle engine compartment while also effectively reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), and existing attachment methods are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
An engine cover assembly with a pivoting hinge arrangement and a releasable latch handle assembly that includes a latch handle hook and engine latch hook, allowing for easy installation and removal, with audible and visual confirmation of attachment, reducing the need for multiple fasteners and simplifying the attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment methods using multiple fasteners are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but production time increases and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated latch mechanism. The latch assembly integrates the hinge pin connection, attachment security, and release functionality into one unified component system, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners and significantly reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used for secure attachment, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated mechanism that provides secure attachment without requiring multiple separate fasteners. The design consolidates the hinge connection, attachment security, and release functionality into one unified system, reducing component count and simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a hinge pin connection, provides secure attachment, enables easy release, and incorporates visual and audible confirmation mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional attachment methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time and repair time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated latch mechanism combines attachment and release functions into a single operable system. The cover can be attached by simply closing it onto the engine, and released by operating the single latch assembly, dramatically reducing both installation time and repair time compared to traditional multi-fastener systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed to be self-latching when the cover is closed, automatically securing the cover without requiring manual fastening operations. The release mechanism allows for easy self-service removal, eliminating the need for tools or complex fastening procedures during installation or repair.
4Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then ease of installation is improved, but attachment reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly incorporates visual feedback through a window that displays whether the latch is engaged or disengaged, and audible feedback through a click sound when the latch secures. This feedback mechanism ensures that the simple single-action closure reliably achieves secure attachment, giving the operator confirmation that the cover is properly secured.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine cover readily movable between a closed, engine-concealing position and an open, engine-accessing position is disclosed. The cover includes a front and a back. The back of the cover is movably attached to the engine. The front of the cover includes a latch handle assembly that releasably attaches the cover to the engine. In its closed position, the engine cover not only conceals at least a portion of the engine thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of the engine compartment, but also helps to reduce engine noise, thus reducing overall vehicle NVH. The cover back may be attached anywhere on the upper area of the engine. The latch assembly includes a releasable latch handle that is pivotably attached to the engine cover. The releasable latch handle has a latch handle hook. An engine latch hook is provided on the engine to which the latch handle hook can be selectively attached.