Rotating Grille Guard Latch and Lift Assist for Sensor Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trucks, particularly semi-trucks and tractor trailers, are prone to grille damage from collisions with hazards on the road, leading to significant repair costs and downtime, which is a concern for companies aiming to keep costs low and productivity high.
Innovation Solution
A grille guard system with a latch mechanism and lift assist system, featuring a torsion bar and detection offset, allowing easy rotation and repositioning of the guard, along with a sensor cap to redirect sensor signals, ensuring protection and minimal interference with vehicle sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grille guard is installed to protect the grille from damage, then the reliability of the grille is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the latch mechanism and lift assist system
Solution Approach 1:
The grille guard system is divided into separate functional components: the guard structure itself, the latch mechanism with cam assemblies, and the lift assist system with torsion bars. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy maintenance or replacement of individual parts without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The grille guard incorporates dynamic elements including the lift assist system with torsion bars that automatically adjust the guard position, and the cam-based latch mechanism that enables smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states. These dynamic features reduce manual effort while maintaining secure protection.
2Reliability
If a fixed grille guard is used to maximize protection, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The cam assemblies are pre-configured with lobes that engage with slots in the backplate, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the grille guard in place during normal operation. The lift assist system with torsion bars is pre-loaded to automatically hold the guard in the protective position, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed guard to a dynamic structure that can be easily repositioned. The cam-based latch allows smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states, while the lift assist system automatically adjusts the guard position during installation and removal, significantly reducing manual effort.
3Strength
If the grille guard is made robust to ensure durability, then the strength is improved, but the ease of repair worsens due to complex latch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into modular components including the cam assemblies, backplate with slots, and latch housings. This modular design allows individual components to be replaced independently if worn or damaged, simplifying maintenance while maintaining the overall robustness of the grille guard structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based latch mechanism is designed with wear-resistant features and easy-access components that can be quickly replaced without replacing the entire latch assembly. The torsion bars in the lift assist system are also designed to be individually replaceable, reducing repair time and costs while maintaining system durability.
4Strength
If the grille guard structure is solid to provide maximum protection, then the strength is improved, but the sensor functionality deteriorates due to interference with sensor signals
Solution Approach 1:
The grille guard incorporates local modifications in the form of detection offsets - specific openings or reduced-density areas positioned to align with vehicle sensor paths. These localized modifications maintain the overall structural integrity and protective function of the grille guard while creating clear channels for sensor signals to pass through unobstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection offsets act as intermediaries between the solid grille guard structure and the vehicle sensors. They allow sensor signals to pass through the guard structure without direct interference, enabling the guard to maintain its protective function while ensuring sensor reliability for functions like parking assistance and collision avoidance.
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 system effectively protects the grille from damage while minimizing user effort and maintaining sensor functionality, reducing repair costs and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a lift assist system in operational communication with the grille guard assembly... at least one torsion bar disposed between the first latch and second latch and configured to urge the grill guard into an upright position
Data Source
AI summary
A grille guard system, comprising a grille guard, a first latch, and a second latch. The first latch comprising a handle, a cam assembly, a backplate comprising a U-bolt, and a first latch housing. The second latch comprising a handle, a cam assembly, a backplate comprising a U-bolt, and a second latch housing. A lift assist system in operational communication with the grille guard assembly. A sensor cap comprising an angled opening configured to be placed over a vehicle sensor and constrain the sensor field of view.