Removable Rear Closure Module for Easier Vehicle Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rear openings of motor vehicles are difficult to repair or replace without compromising the aesthetic appearance, and in the event of damage, the entire rear opening must be replaced, leading to high costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular design where the module containing the aerodynamic blade and motorized mechanisms can be easily removed and replaced, allowing for simplified access and reuse, eliminating the need to dismantle the upper panel and reducing replacement costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the upper panel is fixed to the lining to maintain aesthetic appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is preserved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidaccess to devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The rear opening is divided into three main segments: the upper panel, the lining, and the module containing devices. The module can be independently removed through the opening in the rear of the main body without separating the upper panel from the lining, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling device access for repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An opening is provided in the rear of the main body that serves as an intermediary access path to the free space between the upper panel and lining. This opening allows the module to be removed and reinstalled without requiring separation of the upper panel from the lining, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling device access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the entire rear opening is replaced in case of damage, then the aesthetic appearance is restored, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidreplacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The module containing the aerodynamic blade and motorized mechanisms is extracted as a separate removable component from the rear opening. In case of damage or malfunction, only the module needs to be removed and replaced, while the upper panel and lining can be retained, thus restoring aesthetic appearance at lower cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The module is designed to be removable and replaceable independently. When the module becomes defective or damaged, it can be discarded and replaced with a new or refurbished module, while the main body components (upper panel and lining) are recovered and reused, reducing overall replacement cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If devices are integrated into the rear opening, then the functionality is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidaccess to devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Devices (aerodynamic blade, motorized mechanisms) are integrated into a separate module that is distinct from the upper panel and lining. This segmentation allows the module to be independently removed through the opening in the rear of the main body, providing easy access for repair while maintaining full device functionality when installed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device-containing module is extracted as a removable unit from the rear opening. This extraction allows technicians to access and repair devices by simply removing the module through the opening, without needing to disassemble the upper panel or lining, thus maintaining functionality while improving ease of repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3678923B1Rear closure system of a motor vehicle comprising a removable module
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 OPMOBILITY SE
  • EP3678923B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3678923B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3678923B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a rear closure system (2; 102) of a motor vehicle, comprising: a main body (4; 104), and a module (10; 110) that can be detached from the main body (4; 104) and can receive a device (24; 124), the main body (4; 104) comprising a free space (12; 112) accessible through an opening (14; 114), the dimensions of the free space (12; 112) and the opening (14; 114) being such that the module (10; 110) can be inserted into, and removed from, the main body (4; 104).