Hood Lock Cable Routing Through Support Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing the cable of the hood locking set in vehicles are either too bulky, incompatible with reduced hood height designs, or constrained by the transverse size of the vehicle's front, which limits cable curvature and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a load-bearing framework element with a wall plurality and an orifice that allows the cable to pass transversely, reducing the need for vertical fixation and enabling more flexible cable routing with increased curvature angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the cable is attached above or below the supporting frame element using conventional methods, then the cable is securely fixed, but additional vertical bulk is generated that increases the hood height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical dimension of hood assemblyVSAvoidcable fixation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable routing is changed from a vertical attachment (above or below the frame element) to a transverse routing through the frame element. The cable passes through an orifice in the supporting frame element and is secured by a retaining element on the lateral face, transforming the fixation from vertical to horizontal dimension, thereby reducing vertical bulk while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A retaining element is introduced as an intermediary component to secure the cable. This retaining element is fixed to the lateral face of the supporting frame element and engages with the cable, providing secure fixation without requiring vertical space above or below the frame element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the cable is routed with tight bends to fit within transverse dimensions, then space is saved, but the cable's proper operation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse dimension of front vehicleVSAvoidcable operation functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element acts as an intermediary that provides a secure attachment point for the cable on the lateral face of the frame element. This allows the cable to be positioned optimally without requiring tight bends, ensuring both proper cable operation and efficient use of transverse space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable routing parameters are optimized by changing from tight bends to a more relaxed transverse routing through the orifice. The cable is allowed to extend with adequate curvature radius while still fitting within the transverse dimensions, maintaining both functionality and space efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4538151A1Arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a locking assembly for a cover and a supporting frame element
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 RENAULT SA
  • EP4538151A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4538151A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4538151A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Assembly (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a locking assembly (4) including a lock (41) suitable for locking a hood, an actuation device and a cable (43), the assembly (10) further comprising an elongated support frame element (3) extending along a first direction and being disposed between a first space (5a), including an engine compartment of the vehicle, and a second space (5b) of the vehicle, the support frame element (3) including an opening (7) passing through from the first space (5a) to the second space (5b) and in which the cable (43) is disposed transversely to the first direction.