Vehicle Sheet Sealing Element With Elastic Interlocking Tabs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple functions in vehicle design often leads to interference between components, necessitating additional expensive mechanical protection systems, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular closure element for vehicle sheets that combines the function of replacing a component with mechanical protection by using a first part to cover an orifice, a second part that fits elastically, and attachment means to secure the element to the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate protection components and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple functions are integrated in vehicle design to reduce production costs, then production costs are reduced, but interference between components occurs requiring additional expensive mechanical protection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element combines multiple functions into a single component: it closes the orifice to replace removed functionality, provides mechanical protection through the attachment means to the pipe, and manages clearance between components. This merging eliminates the need for separate protection components while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple roles: it acts as a closure for the orifice, provides mechanical protection for the pipe through the attachment means, and manages spatial relationships with other components. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple design requirements simultaneously.
2Reliability
If additional mechanical protection systems are added to prevent component interference, then component protection is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means is integrated directly into the closure element, combining the protection function with the closure function in a single component. This eliminates the need for separate protection components, maintaining reliability while reducing the number of parts and production costs.
3Reliability
If separate protection components are used to prevent pipe wear, then pipe protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means providing pipe protection is integrated into the closure element itself, eliminating the need for separate protection components. This reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single component while maintaining pipe protection capability.
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
This solution allows for cost-effective integration of functions, reduces the need for additional protection components, and prevents wear-related issues without additional clips, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
said tabs being provided with two tabs able to deform elastically, said tabs forming a substantially U-shaped opening suitable for receiving the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing element (10) for a metal sheet (11) belonging to a vehicle and comprising a hole (17) extending along an axis (18), said sealing element comprising: a first part (19) that covers the hole; a second part (23) having a substantially complementary shape to that of the hole, such that it can be inserted therein, and comprising elastically interlocking assembly means (25) which can engage with one edge of the hole; and at least one securing means (28) for securing to at least one part of the vehicle.