Underbody Fairing Nut Mount With Elastic Ramp Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting bottom fairings under a vehicle chassis are difficult and require pre-equipment with nuts, which complicates the installation process and may affect the robustness of the nut's retention, while also potentially increasing costs and requiring multiple nut arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a cell with an elastically deformable member and a ramp facilitates the insertion of a nut, using flexible tabs to guide and hold the nut in place, ensuring ease of installation without compromising retention and minimizing additional costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nut is pre-installed on the fairing, then the installation process is facilitated, but the robustness of nut retention may be compromised and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable member is pre-formed with a ramp structure that guides the nut during insertion. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure enables easy nut installation while maintaining retention robustness through the elastic deformation mechanism that secures the nut in place
2Volume of stationary object
If the cell volume is reduced, then the fairing design is optimized, but the ease of nut insertion is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure utilizes the vertical dimension within the cell to guide the nut horizontally into place. By creating an inclined surface that spans from the cell bottom upward, the design enables nut insertion in a compact volume while maintaining ease of operation through the guiding action of the ramp
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nut arrangements are used, then different installation needs are met, but the device complexity and referencing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable member with its ramp structure serves multiple functions: it guides the nut during insertion, provides retention through elastic deformation, and accommodates various nut types and installation scenarios. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized mounting arrangements
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 simplifies the nut installation process, enhances the ease of use, maintains robust nut retention, and reduces the need for multiple nut arrangements, thereby improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the automotive industry.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically deformable member which is provided inside the cell overhanging the bottom and which bears against a collar which includes nut
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for mounting a nut (8) inside a cavity (6) of an underbody fairing (3) configured to be fixed under a platform (2) of a motor vehicle chassis (1). The device comprises said cavity (6) having a bottom (9) against which the nut is applied (8) via at least one elastically deformable member (10a, 10b, 10c) arranged inside the cavity (6) overhanging the bottom (9) and pressing against a flange (13) that includes the nut (8). The elastically deformable member has a ramp (14) for guiding the flange (13) of the nut (8) in translation under the elastically deformable member (10a, 10b, 10c).