Transport Refrigeration Grille Latch Assembly for Tool-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport refrigeration units face challenges in securely and efficiently attaching the front grille to the surrounding support structure, often requiring multiple threaded fasteners and lacking a robust, tool-free attachment method that evenly distributes stress.
Innovation Solution
The use of compliant latch members extending from the grille's periphery, which insert into corresponding openings in the support structure's peripheral sides, providing a secure and tool-free attachment that enhances structural rigidity and stress distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used to attach the grille to the surround assembly, then the attachment is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded fastener mechanical system with a compliant latch member system. The latch members feature flexible legs with feet that engage behind the surround assembly, eliminating the need for threads, nuts, and bolts. This substitution maintains secure attachment while dramatically simplifying the assembly process to a simple snap-in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the attachment mechanism by introducing compliant (flexible) latch members instead of rigid fasteners. The flexibility allows the latch members to deform during installation and then maintain constant contact pressure, providing secure attachment without complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If multiple threaded fasteners are used around the grille periphery, then the grille is securely attached, but vibration-induced stresses are not evenly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the attachment members by using compliant (flexible) latch members instead of rigid fasteners. This flexibility allows the latch members to act as stress distributors, absorbing and evenly distributing vibration-induced stresses across multiple attachment points around the grille periphery, rather than concentrating stresses at discrete fastener locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic compliance into the attachment system. The latch members can flex and adapt to vibrations and thermal expansions, maintaining even stress distribution under varying operational conditions, whereas rigid fasteners would create stress concentration points.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fastening methods are used, then the grille can be attached, but tool-free assembly is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual tool-based fastening system with a self-latching mechanical system. The compliant latch members are designed to be inserted and automatically latch into position without requiring any tools, achieving both ease of manufacture and tool-free assembly operation.
4Strength
If rigid fasteners are used, then the attachment is strong, but the assembly process requires multiple steps and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-step rigid fastener system with a single-step compliant latch insertion system. The flexible latch members provide sufficient attachment strength while enabling rapid assembly without tools, directly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the fasteners to compliance, which maintains adequate attachment strength while enabling faster, tool-free installation. The compliant nature allows for quick insertion and automatic latching, dramatically increasing assembly speed compared to threaded fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport refrigeration unit has a front cover that includes a grille supported by and attached to a surround assembly by means of latch members.