Pivotable Radiator Module for Vehicle Front End Collision Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motor vehicle front sections, the radiator module often suffers damage during collisions due to its low load-bearing capacity and design, leading to costly repairs or replacement, even in minor accidents, as it deforms and loses functionality.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle front end design where the cooler module is pivotally connected with a frame that allows it to recede without significant resistance, preventing direct contact with the bumper and radiator, enabling easy repair by snapping back into elastic clips, and featuring a gap between the radiator and bumper to absorb kinetic energy without damaging the radiator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cooler module is rigidly fixed to the vehicle body, then structural stability is improved, but the radiator becomes vulnerable to deformation and damage during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler module is designed with a pivotable connection to the support structure, allowing it to rotate about a horizontal pivot axis during collisions. This dynamic capability enables the radiator to move out of the collision zone when the bumper deforms, preventing direct contact and damage while maintaining structural stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler module is divided into separable components including the radiator, frame, and mounting elements. The frame can be detached from the support structure by releasing the retaining means, allowing the radiator to be removed and replaced independently without damaging the vehicle body or support structure.
2Reliability
If the cooler module is designed to pivot away during collision, then radiator protection is improved, but the complexity of the mounting mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot function is extracted as a simple rotational degree of freedom about a horizontal axis, implemented through a straightforward pivot connection between the frame and support structure. This minimal mechanical addition provides collision protection without introducing complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means use elastic clips with protrusions that can be easily inserted and removed. During collision, the retaining means automatically release allowing the cooler module to pivot away, and can be quickly re-engaged by simply snapping the projection back into the elastic clip for restoration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the bumper is designed to deform plastically, then kinetic energy absorption is improved, but direct contact with the radiator causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler module is given a degree of freedom to rotate about a horizontal pivot axis, adding a rotational dimension to its movement capability. When the bumper deforms forward during collision, the cooler module pivots away in this additional dimension, moving out of the collision zone and preventing direct contact between the bumper and radiator.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary between the radiator and the support structure. It provides a pivot connection that allows the radiator to move away during collision while maintaining its mounting connection, serving as a protective mediator that decouples the radiator from direct impact forces.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the cooler module is securely retained, then positional stability is improved, but repair effort increases after collision
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means are designed as elastic clips with protrusions that provide secure retention during normal operation but can be easily released and re-engaged. After collision, the cooler module can be quickly restored by simply snapping the projection back into the elastic clip, minimizing repair effort and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into detachable components including the frame, retaining means, and support structure connections. This segmentation allows the cooler module to be independently removed and reinstalled without affecting other vehicle components, simplifying the repair process.
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 design allows for the radiator module to be protected and easily repaired, maintaining vehicle usability after minor collisions, reducing repair costs and ensuring the radiator's functionality is preserved.
Implementation Method 1
The clip is preferably elastically deformable so that to restore the arrangement of the cooler module it is only necessary to push the projection back into the clip.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A front part for a motor vehicle comprises a bumper (1) and a radiator module (2) which is attached behind the bumper (1). The radiator module (2) is held by first (9) and releasable second holding means (7, 8), wherein the first holding means (9) permit a movement of the radiator module (2) with a degree of freedom in a direction which faces away from the bumper (1) if the second holding means (7, 8) are released, and the second holding means (7, 8) can be released by yielding of the bumper (1).