Headlight Fan Bayonet Mount for Fast, Rattle-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fan systems for motor vehicle headlights are not mountable in a simple, fast, cost-effective, and safe manner, leading to inefficiencies in installation and potential issues with stability and noise during operation.
Innovation Solution
A fan system featuring a fan mount with bayonet guides and bayonet elements that form a bayonet joint, allowing for easy plug-in and rotational attachment, with resilient bayonet arms and latching protrusions for secure and rattle-free operation, and a heat sink for thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fan mounting methods are used in headlights, then the fan can be attached to the headlight housing, but the mounting process is complex, time-consuming, and prone to instability and noise during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate bayonet elements on the fan and corresponding bayonet guides in the fan mount, allowing the fan to be mounted in modular segments rather than as a single complex assembly. This segmentation enables simple plug-in movement followed by rotational locking, dramatically simplifying the mounting process while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional screw-threaded or clip-based mounting methods that require complex alignment and tightening procedures, the patent inverts the approach by using a bayonet joint where the fan is pushed into the mount first (plug-in movement) and then rotated to lock into place. This reversal of the mounting sequence simplifies the operation and reduces mounting time.
2Productivity
If traditional fan mounting methods are used in headlights, then the fan can be attached to the headlight housing, but the mounting process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet elements are pre-positioned on the fan housing and the bayonet guides are pre-formed in the fan mount during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during installation, allowing the fan to be quickly pushed into place and rotated to lock, significantly reducing installation time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting sequence is inverted from traditional methods by first pushing the fan into the mount (plug-in movement) and then rotating to lock, rather than attempting to align and secure multiple fastening points simultaneously. This inverted sequence dramatically reduces the time required for installation.
3Reliability
If traditional fan mounting methods are used in headlights, then the fan can be attached to the headlight housing, but the attachment is unstable and produces noise during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet joint is segmented into multiple interaction points between the bayonet elements and bayonet guides, creating multiple contact zones that distribute mechanical stresses and prevent single-point failure. This segmentation enhances mounting stability and reduces vibrations that could generate noise during fan operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet joint employs asymmetric geometry where the bayonet elements have specific profiles that match corresponding asymmetric guides, creating a unique orientation and secure locking position. This asymmetric design prevents incorrect installation and ensures stable, noise-free operation by eliminating play and movement in the mounted fan.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan system includes a fan mount having a main body with at least two bayonet guides, and a fan having at least two bayonet elements configured to be coupled to the bayonet guides to form a bayonet joint. Each of the bayonet guides include a bayonet arm fastened to and extending spaced apart from the main body. The fan is coupled to the fan mount by moving towards the main body in an axial direction, then rotating it such that the bayonet elements engage the bayonet guides, with each of the bayonet arms securing a corresponding bayonet element against the main body. The fan system is used in a vehicle headlight.