Resettable Radiator Fixing Device with Oblique Locking Lugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for motor vehicle radiators require individual calibration and redesign for different impact thresholds, making them complex and costly to reset after a collision, as they need to be 'tared' for specific vehicles or environments.
Innovation Solution
A resettable fixing device with an oblong housing allowing the pin to move to an intermediate position at lower impact speeds, using oblique locking lugs that facilitate easy reset and allow the pin to return to its original position with reduced force, utilizing a standard support material that is not necessarily elastically deformable, enabling multiple devices to respond to varying thrust amplitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable element is used to allow radiator movement during impact, then the radiator can move back to avoid damage, but the device requires individual calibration and redesign for different impact thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the locking lugs movable rather than fixed. The locking lugs can transition between locked and unlocked positions based on the magnitude of impact force, allowing the radiator to remain secured during normal operation but move during impact. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for individual calibration of deformable elements for different impact thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the locking mechanism from a fixed deformable element requiring calibration to a movable locking lug system where the movement threshold is determined by the geometry and material properties of the locking lugs themselves. This parameter change allows a single standardized device design to respond to varying thrust amplitudes without requiring redesign or calibration for different vehicles or environments.
2Reliability
If a deformable element is calibrated for specific impact thresholds, then the radiator movement can be controlled, but the device cannot be easily reset after collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by designing the locking lugs to be recoverable after use. During impact, the locking lugs are forced apart (discarded from their locked position), allowing radiator movement. After the impact, the locking lugs naturally return to their original locked position (recovery), enabling the device to be reset automatically without complex procedures or replacement of calibrated components.
3Measurement precision
If different parts are designed for different vehicles and environments, then the fixing device can be precisely calibrated, but the material costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized fixing device with movable locking lugs that can be used across different vehicles and environments. The locking lugs' ability to move and lock provides a universal solution that adapts to varying impact conditions without requiring vehicle-specific calibration or custom-designed parts, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and material costs.
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
The solution simplifies calibration and reset processes, reduces material costs, and allows for a range of devices to be designed for different impact thresholds using a standard support, enhancing the economical and practicality of the fixing system.
Implementation Method 1
said lugs consisting of an element in elastic deformation capable of separating said tabs
Implementation Method 2
oblique locking lugs that facilitate easy reset and allow the pin to return to its original position with reduced force
Data Source
Figure 1a~2g
Figure 2a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for attaching a façade-mounted cooling means for motor vehicles, such as a radiator, mounted on a first part such as a crosspiece and comprising an oblong housing that receives a pin projecting from a second part, such as the radiator, the housing having a first position (2a) for receiving the pin corresponding to normal working conditions of the device, the first position (2a) being defined between one end of the housing and two projecting legs (4) made in the housing, said pin being movable in guided translation between the first position (2a) and at least one second position (2b) when subjected to a force that exceeds a predetermined threshold. According to the invention, said legs (4) each extend from an edge of the housing, obliquely, towards one another, with the ends (4a) thereof facing one another, thus defining, along with one end of the housing, the first position (2a), and said branches (4) may be moved apart from one another so as to lie substantially along the edges of the housing so as to allow the pin to move into the second position (2b) when the predetermined force threshold is exceeded.