Extruded Air Inlet Flap Assembly With Hooked End-Piece Retention

The patent introduces an intermediary retention mechanism consisting of retention elements with hooks that engage with retention recesses in the shutter body. This intermediary structure mediates between the end pieces and the shutter body, providing reliable retention without requiring reduced manufacturing tolerances. The retention elements act as a buffer that accommodates normal manufacturing variations while maintaining secure connection.

The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the shutter body with integrated retention recesses, separate retention elements with hooks, and the end pieces. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, then assembled through the hook-recess engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for tight tolerances across the entire assembly.

The retention recesses are designed with sufficient depth and the retention elements with compliant hook structures that can accommodate normal installation variations without causing damage. This beforehand cushioning design absorbs the shocks of improper installation or tolerance variations, preventing damage to the shutter body while maintaining reliable connection.

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the retention system, specifically designing retention recesses with dimensions and shapes that provide a tolerance buffer. The hooks are designed with appropriate curvature and engagement geometry that allows for parameter variations in manufacturing while ensuring secure retention, thereby reducing the required manufacturing precision.

The retention recesses are integrated directly into the shutter body as a single piece component, eliminating the need for separate retention features or additional fastening hardware. The end pieces are designed with built-in hook structures that combine the functions of connection and retention. This merging approach achieves reliable connection while minimizing the number of discrete components and assembly steps.

The retention system is designed to be self-retaining through the hook-recess engagement mechanism. Once assembled, the hooks automatically engage with the retention recesses, providing self-service retention without requiring additional fasteners, clips, or complex locking mechanisms. The design allows for simple manual or automated assembly while ensuring reliable connection.