Polymeric Vehicle Exhaust Tip Concealing Tailpipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle tailpipes can detract from the aesthetics of vehicles and collect unsightly residue from exhaust gases, posing an aesthetic and maintenance challenge.
Innovation Solution
A fascia-mounted exhaust tip assembly with an integrated collector/attachment bracket and accent ring, where the collector member is made from a polymeric material that can withstand high temperatures and is designed to minimize visibility of carbon deposits, and the accent member is aesthetically pleasing, allowing for a snap-fit attachment to the fascia member to conceal the tailpipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional metal tailpipe is used, then the exhaust system is durable and functional, but it detracts from vehicle aesthetics and shows carbon deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a polymeric collector member that is intentionally designed to show wear and carbon deposits as part of its aesthetic character. The polymer material is selected and finished to embrace the appearance of age and use, transforming what would normally be considered deterioration into a desirable aesthetic feature that enhances the vehicle's appearance over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle through the specific selection and finishing of polymeric materials that are designed to develop attractive color characteristics over time. The polymer is chosen and treated to change appearance in a controlled manner, developing a patina or color profile that enhances aesthetics while the vehicle is in use, rather than simply resisting all environmental effects.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tailpipe is concealed to improve aesthetics, then the appearance is enhanced, but the exhaust gas discharge function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by dividing the exhaust termination system into functionally distinct segments: the metallic tailpipe section that performs the essential exhaust gas discharge function, and the separate polymeric collector member that provides aesthetic concealment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose while working together as an integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by introducing the polymeric collector member as an intermediary element between the functional tailpipe and the vehicle exterior environment. This intermediary component serves as a mediator that allows the tailpipe to perform its exhaust function while simultaneously providing the desired aesthetic concealment and protecting the tailpipe from direct environmental exposure.
3Weight of moving object
If a polymeric collector member is used to conceal the tailpipe, then aesthetics are improved and weight is reduced, but the material must withstand high exhaust temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by utilizing polymeric materials with composite structures or compositions that combine lightweight properties with high-temperature resistance. The polymer is specifically selected and engineered to have the necessary thermal stability to withstand exhaust gas temperatures while maintaining its weight advantage over traditional metal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by carefully selecting and optimizing specific parameters of the polymeric material, including its chemical composition, cross-linking density, and thermal stability characteristics. These parameter changes enable the polymer to achieve the required temperature resistance while maintaining its inherent lightweight advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust tip assembly for an exhaust system of a vehicle includes an accent member and a collector member that is made substantially from a polymeric material. The collector member includes a collector portion and an attachment portion. The collector portion includes a first end and a second end. The collector portion defines a passage that extends from the first end to the second end. The first end is operable to receive a downstream end of a tailpipe, and the second end is operable to removably attach to the accent member. The attachment portion is configured to mount to a fascia member of a vehicle to thereby expose the accent member from the fascia member.