HVAC Sub-Assembly With Auto-Releasing Securing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle HVAC systems require an additional operating step to release movable components after mounting, increasing mounting costs due to the need for retaining pins to be removed.
Innovation Solution
A sub-assembly with a securing unit that moves from a retaining position to a released position during coupling, eliminating the need for a separate release step by integrating a blocking element and counter-blocking element, such as a projection and recess, which are engaged and released simultaneously with the coupling of the carrier and body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a retaining pin is used to block movement of the movable component before and during mounting, then the position of the movable component is predetermined and accurately known, but an additional operating step is necessary to remove the retaining pin after mounting, increasing mounting costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retaining pin function with the mounting process itself. The mounting tool serves dual purposes: it both positions the movable component accurately and simultaneously releases the retaining pin, merging two separate operations (positioning and releasing) into one integrated action, thereby eliminating the need for a separate post-mounting release step
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining pin is pre-installed in a position that allows it to be automatically released during the mounting operation. The mounting tool is designed to interact with the retaining pin beforehand, so that when the mounting tool is applied, the releasing action is triggered in advance as part of the positioning process, eliminating the need for subsequent manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If a retaining pin is removed after mounting to release the movable component, then the movable component can move freely during operation, but the mounting costs are increased due to the additional operating step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the releasing of the movable component with the mounting operation itself. The mounting tool is designed to simultaneously accomplish both the positioning of the component and the release of the retaining pin, so that one operation achieves both objectives, eliminating the need for a separate releasing step and improving mounting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting tool is designed to automatically trigger the release mechanism as part of its own operation. When the mounting tool is applied to position the component, it self-activates the releasing action through its own structural interaction with the retaining pin, without requiring additional manual steps or separate tools, thereby improving productivity
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
This solution reduces mounting costs by ensuring the position of movable components is predetermined and accurately fixed without requiring an additional release step, simplifying the mounting process and reducing component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a securing unit (26) which is joined to the carrier (12) and is movable relative to the carrier (12), in particular in a resilient manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
A sub-assembly, in particular for a vehicle heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning system, comprises a carrier (12), a component (14) which is movably mounted on the carrier (12) and which transmits a movement during operation of the sub-assembly (10) and a securing unit (26) which is joined to the carrier (12) and which is movable relative to the carrier (12), in particular in a resilient manner, such that the securing unit (26) is able to adopt a retaining position and a released position. The carrier (12) is configured together with the component (14) such that it may be coupled to a body (44), wherein the securing unit (26) is in the retaining position when the body (44) and the carrier (12) are still uncoupled and the securing unit (26) is in the released position when the body (44) and the carrier (12) are attached to one another in their final position.