Security Grill Clamp Mounting for Commercial Vehicle Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vans are vulnerable to break-ins due to easily accessible rear doors with stationary windows that can be broken, and existing security grills are unsightly, difficult to install, and cause vehicle body damage.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular metal grill with a pattern of apertures and a solid border, held in place by clamp members with a U-shaped socket and elastomeric base, which can be easily installed on the interior window frame without damaging the vehicle, preventing lateral shifting and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective grill is installed on the vehicle window, then security against break-ins is improved, but the vehicle appearance deteriorates and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The grill assembly is divided into multiple independent clamp members that can be individually installed at different locations around the window perimeter. Each clamp member is a separate component that can be easily positioned and secured, transforming a complex single-piece installation into multiple simple steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members serve as intermediary components between the grill and the vehicle door structure. These clamps provide a flexible mounting interface that adapts to different window configurations without requiring direct attachment to the vehicle body, simplifying installation while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If a protective grill is installed on the vehicle window, then security against break-ins is improved, but the vehicle appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grill is constructed with a thin, flexible metal sheet that can be formed into an aesthetically pleasing pattern while maintaining structural strength. The thin profile allows the grill to be mounted close to the window surface, creating a sleek appearance that does not significantly alter the vehicle's exterior shape.
3Reliability
If existing security grills are installed, then security against break-ins is improved, but damage to the vehicle body occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members act as intermediary elements that distribute mounting forces around the window perimeter without concentrating stress on the vehicle door structure. This intermediary mounting system protects the vehicle body from damage while securing the grill in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members are designed with cushioning features that prevent excessive force from being applied to the vehicle door during installation and operation. This beforehand cushioning protects the vehicle body from potential damage while maintaining secure grill attachment.
4Reliability
If a grill with solid border and aperture pattern is used, then security effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grill design utilizes parameter changes in the metal sheet properties and forming processes to achieve the desired aperture pattern and border structure. By adjusting parameters such as sheet thickness, aperture size, and forming pressure, the complex appearance is achieved through simplified manufacturing steps.
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 provides effective security against break-ins while being aesthetically and structurally non-intrusive, ensuring the grill is securely fastened to the vehicle frame, preventing unauthorized access without compromising the vehicle's appearance or integrity.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric base underlies the plate and hinge. The plate and base are adapted to be affixed to the door frame surrounding the window by a self-tapping screw fastener that extends through an aperture in the plate and elastomeric base. The elastomeric base is shaped such that tightening of the self-tapping screw fastener displaces the U-shaped socket deeper into the rectangular cut-outs formed in the grill border to the point where lateral shifting of the grill member is prevented.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A security device (10) for a commercial vehicle comprises a sheet metal grill stamped or laser cut to exhibit a plurality of regularly spaced apertures therethrough and surrounded by a solid border (12) having a plurality of notches (16) formed inward of the border (12) into which are fitted clamp members (18) for securing the grill or screen in place against a window of a commercial vehicle to inhibit break-ins and theft of articles carried by the vehicle. The clamp member (18) includes a U-shaped socket (20) adapted to cooperate with notches (16) formed in the border of the screen or grill where the socket (20) is hinged to a base member that allows for secure attachment of the clamp members to the vehicle's window frame using self-tapping screws. Tightening of the screws forces the U-shaped socket (20) into tight engagement with the border (12) of the grill or screen.