Vehicle Grille Bracket Stiffening Assembly for Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle grille assemblies face a trade-off between airflow and rigidity, as increasing mesh opening size for better airflow negatively impacts performance and appearance, and aesthetic design changes can compromise performance.
Innovation Solution
A bracket stiffening assembly is mounted to the vehicle grille, featuring a body member and mounting members with stiffening arms that extend between them, providing increased rigidity without obstructing airflow, and is designed to be concealed behind the mesh member to maintain aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If mesh opening size is increased to improve airflow, then airflow performance is improved, but structural rigidity and appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening assembly is divided into multiple separate components including a central body member, multiple stiffening arms, and mounting members that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together to form the complete stiffening structure
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening arms extend in multiple directions (first direction and second direction) from the body member, creating a three-dimensional stiffening structure that provides rigidity in multiple axes while maintaining airflow in the forward direction
2Use of energy by moving object
If mesh opening size is increased to improve airflow, then airflow performance is improved, but appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening assembly acts as an intermediary structural element that is positioned between the outer grille member and the mesh member, providing necessary rigidity while remaining concealed and not directly visible from the exterior, thus maintaining appearance while enabling larger mesh openings
3Shape
If aesthetic design changes are made to the vehicle grille assembly, then appearance is improved, but structural performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening function is extracted as a separate, dedicated assembly that can be independently designed and optimized for structural performance without compromising the aesthetic design of the visible grille components. The stiffening assembly is positioned behind the mesh member where it does not interfere with aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening arms are strategically positioned and oriented to provide rigidity specifically in regions where structural support is needed, while leaving other regions free for aesthetic design considerations. The assembly provides localized reinforcement without requiring changes to the overall grille appearance
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket stiffening assembly for a vehicle grille includes a body member configured to be mounted to a central portion of the vehicle grille and first and second mounting members configured to be mounted to a perimeter portion of the vehicle grille. A first stiffening arm extends in a first direction between the first mounting member and the body member. A second stiffening arm extends in a second direction between the second mounting member and the body member. A third stiffening arm extends in the first direction between the first mounting member and the body member. The third stiffening arm is vertically spaced from the first stiffening arm. A fourth stiffening arm extends in the second direction between the second mounting member and the body member. The fourth stiffening arm is vertically spaced from the second stiffening arm.