Pre-Retaining Clip Clearance for Under-Engine Screen Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual two-stage assembly of under-engine screens and lower front bumper deflectors in motor vehicles requires two operators, increases assembly time, and necessitates multiple holes, leading to higher costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A temporary fastening system using a clip with a flexible U-shape that allows vertical movement within a given tolerance, enabling the under-engine screen to be positioned without pre-support systems and reducing the need for additional holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-stage manual assembly process is used with pre-support systems for both under-engine screen and lower front bumper deflector, then the components can be properly positioned and secured, but the assembly time increases and more holes are required in the surrounding area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the lower front bumper deflector using a temporary fastening system with clips before installing the under-engine screen. The deflector is temporarily secured with clips that allow adjustment and do not require permanent holes, enabling the screen to be subsequently positioned and fixed more efficiently. This preliminary positioning reduces the need for additional holes and speeds up the overall assembly process while ensuring proper component placement.
2Reliability
If a two-stage manual assembly process is used with pre-support systems, then the components can be properly positioned and secured, but the device complexity and number of operators required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and securing functions into a single integrated approach. The lower front bumper deflector is temporarily fastened using clips that are later replaced by permanent fasteners, combining the positioning and final securing operations. This merged approach simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for separate pre-support systems for both components, reducing operational complexity while maintaining proper component positioning and securing.
3Reliability
If multiple holes are made in the surrounding area for pre-support systems, then the components can be securely attached, but the assembly cost and time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable clips for temporary fastening of the lower front bumper deflector during assembly. These clips are inexpensive, easy to install and remove, and do not require permanent holes in the surrounding structure. After the deflector is temporarily positioned, permanent fasteners are used for secure attachment. This approach reduces assembly cost by eliminating the need for multiple permanent holes and associated drilling operations, while still ensuring reliable component attachment.
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
Facilitates quick and ergonomic installation of under-engine screens by allowing single-operator assembly and minimizing hole requirements, thus reducing time and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the clip or each of the clips includes a flexible portion capable of deforming under a load applied in a vertical direction to the deflector, so as to allow said deflector to move vertically within a given tolerance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a motor vehicle (1) with a power train, comprising a front panel (3), a front bumper (5, 7), a front bumper lower deflector (9) and an under-engine screen (11). The deflector (9) further comprises a system (15) for temporary attachment to the front panel (3), said system (15) being configured to allow the deflector (9) to be moved vertically within a given tolerance, when the deflector (9) is being mounted, and to thus allow a front edge (11.1) of the screen (11) to be inserted between the deflector (9) and the front panel (3).