Hinged Fan Retainer for Vehicle Headlamp Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retainer arrangements for fans in vehicle headlamp light modules are complex and difficult to service due to limited space, making it hard to remove and replace the fan without disassembling the light module.
Innovation Solution
A foldable locking element in the fan holder allows the fan to be easily installed, removed, and secured through a service opening, using a hinged mechanism that can be snap-fastened and optionally secured with screws, ensuring the fan is firmly retained even with vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detent hooks are used to retain the fan in the pocket, then the fan is securely fastened and cannot move accidentally, but the fan becomes difficult to remove and replace through the service opening due to limited installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as a hinged component that can dynamically change position between a locked state (where it secures the fan) and an unlocked state (where it allows fan removal). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing secure retention during operation while enabling easy maintenance through the service opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is separated from the main fan holder body as an independent hinged component. This segmentation allows the locking function to be independently activated or deactivated, enabling secure fan retention when locked and easy removal when unlocked, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of replacement.
2Reliability
If bayonet coupling is used to connect the fan to the fan holder, then the fan can be firmly fastened, but the fastening becomes complex and requires additional securing means to prevent accidental loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is separated into an independent hinged locking element rather than being integrated into a complex bayonet coupling mechanism. This segmentation simplifies the overall fastening system while maintaining security, as the locking element can be a simple hinged flap with a latch rather than a multi-component bayonet system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the main fan holder body and implemented as a separate hinged element. This extraction allows the locking mechanism to be simpler and more straightforward, avoiding the complexity of bayonet coupling while still providing secure fastening through the hinged and latchable design.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element protrudes into or from the service opening in the open position, then the service opening provides space for folding movement, but the locking element occupies space that could be used for fan removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be dynamic, moving between protruding positions (when open) and retracted positions (when closed). This dynamic behavior allows the element to occupy space during the opening phase to enable folding movement, then retract to minimize space occupation when the service opening needs to be used for fan removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element follows a periodic cycle of protruding during the opening phase (providing folding space) and retracting during the closed phase (freeing up service opening space). This periodic action resolves the spatial conflict by timing the occupation of service opening space only when needed for the locking mechanism's operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer arrangement for the support of a fan on a light module of a headlamp for a vehicle as well as a fan holder for the generation of such a retainer arrangement. The fan is fastened in a detachable manner to the fan holder. The fan holder has a hinged locking element that can be moved into an open position. The fan can be installed in the fan holder and removed from the fan holder, and can be moved in a locked position, in which the fan is firmly fastened to the fan holder.