Grille Support Rod Self-Locking Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile grille shutter systems require deformation of support rods and flaps for assembly, leading to damage and difficulty in mounting and dismounting, which compromises durability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking structure for support rods in the grille assembly, featuring a lug with a locking slot and spring strip, and an engagement portion that securely locks the support rod in place without deforming the flaps or rods, allowing easy mounting and dismounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If support rods and flaps are deformed for forced mounting, then the support rod can be assembled with the flaps, but the support rod or flaps are easily deformed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring strip provides dynamic elasticity, allowing the locking slot to flex during assembly and then lock securely. The spring strip deforms elastically under the engagement portion during assembly, then returns to its original state to lock the support rod in place, eliminating the need for forced deformation of the flaps or support rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism changes the physical state of the spring strip from a deformed state during assembly to a locked state after assembly. The spring strip transitions from being compressed or bent during insertion to returning to its free state, which automatically locks the engagement portion in the locking slot.
2Stability of the object's composition
If forced deformation is used for mounting, then the support rod can be fixed in position, but mounting and dismounting become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring strip's elastic properties enable easy mounting and dismounting. During assembly, the spring strip is compressed to allow the engagement portion to pass through, then it automatically expands to lock the support rod. For disassembly, applying force to the engagement portion compresses the spring strip again, allowing easy removal without permanent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring strip automatically performs the locking function after the engagement portion is inserted. Once the engagement portion passes through the locking slot, the spring strip returns to its free state and automatically locks the support rod in place without requiring additional manual intervention or tools.
3Ease of operation
If multiple assembly cycles are performed with forced deformation, then the support rod can be repeatedly mounted and dismounted, but the flaps and support rod are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring strip's elastic properties allow it to withstand repeated compression and expansion cycles without permanent deformation. Each assembly and disassembly cycle simply compresses and releases the spring strip, which returns to its original state, enabling unlimited repeated assembly operations without damage to the flaps or support rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring strip undergoes reversible elastic deformation during each assembly cycle, transitioning between compressed and free states. This reversible parameter change allows the locking mechanism to be repeatedly engaged and disengaged without causing cumulative damage to the flaps or support rod components.
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 self-locking structure prevents damage to the flaps and support rods during multiple assembly cycles, ensuring easy and convenient mounting and dismounting while enhancing the durability of the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the spring strip extending from its base to a free end which, in a free state, is located at the entrance of the locking slot in a stressed state, leaves open the entrance of the locking slot
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A support rod self-locking structure is provided, wherein the support rod (3) comprising a support rod body (31), the self-locking structure comprising a lug (11), provided with a locking slot (111b）and a spring strip (112), the spring strip (112) extending from its base to a free end which, in a free state, is located at the entrance of the locking slot (111b); and an end plate (32) and an engagement portion (33) provided at an end of the support rod body (31), the end plate (32) being connected to the end of the support rod body (31) via the engagement portion (33) which engages with the locking slot (111b) by sliding there into. A grille assembly is also provided, comprising two grille bodies (1) with multiple flaps (2) arranged between them and a support rod (3) connected to the grille bodies (1) via the self-locking structure. The support rod self-locking structure can achieve the self-locking of a support rod (3), without having to distort the flaps (2) and the support rod (3) by force. Even multiple times of dismounting and mounting will not cause damage to the flaps (2) or the support rod (3). Moreover, both mounting and dismounting are very convenient.