Modular Bonnet Latch Bracket for Vehicle Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bonnet latch structures are not adaptable to different vehicle models, requiring costly changes in shape and size, and are not efficiently designed to handle various crash scenarios, leading to high manufacturing and storage costs and unnecessary spare parts.
Innovation Solution
A modular bonnet latch bracket arrangement with a collapsible bracket member that can be adapted to different vehicle models by varying its geometry, allowing the same body member and latch to be used across models, and designed to collapse before the bonnet latch in collisions, reducing repair costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bonnet latch structure is adapted to different vehicle models by changing the shape and size of the front cross member, then the bonnet latch can fit different vehicle models, but the manufacturing cost increases due to need for new tools
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket member is divided into a first bracket member portion and at least one second bracket member portion that can be coupled together. The first portion remains substantially constant across vehicle models, while the second portion varies to accommodate different geometrical dimensions. This segmentation allows the same base component to be adapted to different vehicle models without requiring new manufacturing tools for the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first bracket member portion is designed as a universal component that can be used across multiple vehicle models. By making this portion substantially constant and adapting only the second portion, the system achieves multi-functionality where a single base design serves multiple applications, reducing the need for model-specific tooling and manufacturing processes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bracket member is designed to collapse before the bonnet latch in collisions, then pedestrian protection is improved, but the structural strength of the bonnet latch system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket member is designed with non-uniform structural properties - certain regions are engineered to collapse at lower forces while other regions maintain higher strength. This local quality differentiation allows the bracket to absorb collision energy through controlled collapse in specific areas while preserving the overall structural integrity and strength of the bonnet latch system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket member is designed to convert the harmful collision force into beneficial energy absorption through controlled collapse. By intentionally creating collapse mechanisms that activate at predetermined force levels, the system transforms the harmful impact into a protective function, reducing the force transmitted to the pedestrian while maintaining sufficient strength to secure the bonnet during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different configurations of bonnet latch structures are used for different vehicle models, then the bonnet latch fits each model specifically, but the storage cost and spare parts inventory increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bracket member into a common first portion and variable second portions, the system reduces the total number of unique parts that need to be stored and managed. The first portion can be used across multiple vehicle models, significantly reducing spare parts inventory requirements compared to having completely different bracket members for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The first bracket member portion serves as a universal component that can be installed on multiple vehicle models. This universality reduces the quantity of different spare parts that need to be maintained in inventory, as the same base component can service multiple models while only the variable second portions need to be model-specific.
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
Enables cost-effective adaptation to various vehicle models and crash scenarios, reducing spare parts and repair costs by using the same body member and latch across different models, and allowing for controlled collapse in collisions.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket member is configured to collapse when impacted by a force above a predefined level... causing the bonnet latch to move away to provide a forgiving upper leg impact zone
Implementation Method 2
configured to absorb collision energy at the time of a collision with a pedestrian
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a bonnet latch bracket arrangement (4, 4') for a vehicle (2, 2'), which arrangement is adaptable to different vehicle models, the arrangement comprising - a bonnet latch (12), - a bracket member (14, 14'), and - a vehicle body member (10), the bonnet latch being attachable to the vehicle body member by means of the bracket member, the bracket member being adapted to take up dimensional differences between the bonnet latch and the vehicle body member in a longitudinal, lateral and/or height direction of the vehicle, and the adaptability to different vehicle models being achieved by varying the geometry of the bracket member according to the dimensions of the vehicle model. The disclosure further relates to a modular system for configuration of a bonnet latch bracket arrangement to different vehicle models and a method for adapting a bonnet latch bracket arrangement to fit in different vehicle models.