Removable Thermal Protection Screen for Spare Wheel Basket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat shields made of sheet steel are ineffective in protecting spare wheels from high temperatures emitted by exhaust silencers, and their installation is unnecessary for diesel engines due to the different exhaust line configurations.
Innovation Solution
A removably fixed thermal protection screen, preferably made of aluminum and supported by a rigid plastic part with clips, is integrated with the spare wheel storage basket, providing effective heat protection and easy installation only on gasoline engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sheet steel heat shield is used to protect the spare wheel from exhaust heat, then the spare wheel is protected from direct heat exposure, but the heat shield itself becomes too hot and transfers excessive heat to the tire, causing the rubber to harden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid plastic support structure as an intermediary between the heat shield and the spare wheel. This support structure thermally isolates the heat shield from direct contact with the tire, preventing heat transfer through conduction. The plastic material acts as a thermal barrier, allowing the heat shield to remain close to the exhaust for effective radiation blocking while preventing excessive heat from reaching the tire through the support structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a heat shield is installed on all vehicles to protect the spare wheel, then gasoline engine vehicles are adequately protected, but diesel engine vehicles incur unnecessary additional cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the heat shield assembly dynamic and adjustable, allowing it to be positioned or removed based on the specific vehicle configuration. The support structure enables the heat shield to be selectively installed on gasoline engine vehicles where exhaust proximity requires protection, while allowing easy removal or omission on diesel engine vehicles where the exhaust configuration naturally provides sufficient clearance. This dynamic approach optimizes the heat protection system for different engine types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a permanently fixed heat shield is welded to the basket, then the heat shield remains securely in place, but the basket cannot be easily disassembled for maintenance or the heat shield cannot be removed for diesel vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat shield assembly into separate components: the heat shield itself, the rigid plastic support structure, and the basket. This segmentation allows the heat shield to be securely positioned on the support structure while enabling easy separation of components. The support structure incorporates retention features that hold the heat shield firmly during operation, but allow straightforward removal when needed for vehicle variations or maintenance, eliminating the need for permanent welding.
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 effectively protects the spare wheel from high temperatures, eliminating the need for diesel engines to have heat shields and offering better thermal protection than sheet steel while being simple and cost-effective to install.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal protection screen interposed between the exhaust silencer and the spare wheel
Implementation Method 2
supported by a rigid plastic part with clips
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle compartment with a spare wheel storage basket and a thermal protection screen. According to the invention, the thermal protection screen (30) is removably attached by means (50) to the spare wheel storage basket (3). The invention has applications in the automotive field.