Flexible Latch Cover for Motor Block Sensor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover mechanisms for protecting electronic sensors in motor vehicle engine blocks are cumbersome, unreliable, and require significant mechanical stress for locking and unlocking, leading to premature deterioration and complex assembly.
Innovation Solution
A cover design featuring a shell with a first blocking edge and a latch with a second blocking edge, oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis, utilizing a flexible locking heel and unlocking fin to facilitate easy and ergonomic locking and unlocking without mechanical stress, allowing for repeated use and secure protection of the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retractable lock mechanism is used, then the cover can be secured to the support, but the locking mechanism becomes bulky and difficult to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking heel is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to bend during locking and unlocking operations. This flexible element can be elastically deformed to pass through the opening and engage the stop, providing secure closure while remaining simple and easy to operate without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex mechanical mechanisms and implements it through a simple flexible heel that bends and engages. This removes the bulky components and complex assembly while maintaining the secure closure function
2Reliability
If significant forces are applied for locking and unlocking, then the latch can be secured, but the base is strongly stressed and the device deteriorates prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible locking heel distributes the locking force through elastic deformation rather than concentrating stress on rigid components. The heel bends to engage the stop and returns to its original position, providing secure locking while minimizing stress on the base and other structural elements, thereby extending service life
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible heel acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress during locking and unlocking operations. This pre-computed flexibility protects the base and other components from excessive forces that would cause premature deterioration
3Reliability
If multiple parts are used in the lock mechanism, then the locking function can be achieved, but the assembly becomes complex and parts may dislodge
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking heel, unlocking fin, and associated features into a single integrated component that is molded as one piece with the cover. This eliminates multiple separate parts and assembly steps while maintaining the complete locking function, reducing complexity and eliminating the risk of parts dislodging
Solution Approach 2:
The single molded component performs multiple functions: the locking heel provides securing, the unlocking fin enables release, and the integrated design provides structural support. This multi-functional element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate parts
4Ease of manufacture
If the locking heel is oriented parallel to the pivot axis, then the structure is simpler, but significant mechanical stress is required for locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking heel is oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis and made flexible, allowing it to bend laterally during engagement. This orientation combined with flexibility reduces the mechanical stress required for locking and unlocking compared to a rigid parallel orientation, while still providing simple structural integration
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 cover is easy to manufacture, provides reliable and repeated locking and unlocking with minimal mechanical stress, ensuring the longevity of the components and easy access to the sensor, while maintaining effective protection from the external environment.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible locking heel, one provided on the shell, the other on the lock and capable of cooperating so as to prevent passage without bending of the locking heel from the 'unlocked' position to the 'locked' position
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a cover (1) including a shell (20) for closing an opening (101) and a latch (4) pivoting between "unlocked" and "locked" positions in which said latch respectively does not or does hinder the mobility of the cover (1) with respect to the support (100), the cover (1) comprising stationary stops (51) and laterally flexible latching lugs (44) provided to prevent the passage without bending of the latching lugs (44) and to latch the latch (4) in the "locked" position, the clearances (50) allowing the passage of the bent latching lugs (44) and of the unlatching wings (45) connected to the latching lugs (44) and capable of being biased laterally by hand to bend the latching lugs (44) and thus allow the unlatching of the latch (4) from the "locked" position thereof. Said cover (1) is suitable for closing an opening (101) provided in a motor block for accommodating an electronic sensor therein.