Radiator Grille Assembly via Pre-assembled Structural Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly methods for radiator grilles are time-consuming and costly due to the individual connection of numerous application elements, which increases the complexity and expense of the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

Combining multiple application elements into latticed structural modules that are connected to specific areas of the lattice structure or frame, allowing for a time-saving and cost-effective assembly by pre-fixing the modules within the grille, which can be clipped, welded, glued, or screwed for a durable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple application elements are connected individually to the lattice structure, then the desired pattern and optical effect are achieved, but the assembly effort and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effortVSAvoidnumber of application elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple application elements into a single pre-assembled module that is then attached to the lattice structure as one unit. This merging approach maintains the desired pattern and optical effects while significantly reducing the number of individual connection operations required during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The application elements are pre-assembled into a complete module before being attached to the vehicle. This preliminary assembly allows the complex pattern work to be done in a controlled manufacturing environment rather than during vehicle assembly, reducing on-site assembly effort and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If numerous application elements are assembled individually, then the desired optical effect is achieved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidtime for individual connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple application elements are merged into a single modular unit, transforming numerous individual assembly operations into one single attachment operation. This dramatically reduces assembly time while preserving the complex optical effects that would require many individual elements to achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The module is pre-assembled with all application elements in their final positions before being transported to the vehicle. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming process of individually positioning and connecting each application element during vehicle assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If application elements are connected individually, then customization is possible, but the assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly costsVSAvoidcustomizable designs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple application elements into a modular unit that can be customized in the manufacturing phase. This allows for adaptable designs and patterns to be created once during module production, after which the entire module can be replicated and installed efficiently, reducing per-unit assembly costs while maintaining design versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design creates a universal attachment interface that can accommodate different patterns and configurations of application elements within the module. This allows a single module type to serve multiple design purposes, reducing the need for entirely different assembly procedures for different customizations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3694750B1Method for mounting a radiator grille, and radiator grille for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 AUDI AG
  • EP3694750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3694750B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3694750B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for mounting a radiator grille (1) having a frame (2) and a grille structure (10) situated within the frame (2), multiple application elements (22) being connected to the grille structure (10). The invention also relates to a corresponding radiator grille (1) for a vehicle. According to the invention, the application elements (22) are assembled to form at least one grille-like structure module (20), the at least one structure module (20) being connected to a predefined region (11) of the grille structure (10) and/or to a predefined region of the frame (2).