Vehicle Air Intake Shutter with Integral Snap-Fit Cable Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle front face air inlet shutter devices require a manual and costly process for attaching electrical wiring, increasing production costs due to the need for removable clips during assembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a snap-fit fastening device integral with the support frame to secure electrical supply cables, eliminating the need for manual installation and allowing for pre-wired devices to be delivered directly to manufacturers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If removable clips are used to attach electrical wiring to the support frame, then the electrical wiring can be installed during assembly, but the production cost increases due to manual installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable fixing function directly into the support frame structure by integrating cable holders as integral parts of the frame. This eliminates the need for separate removable clips and their manual installation, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining ease of wiring installation. The cable holders are formed as one piece with the support frame, combining structural support and cable management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame with integral cable holders provides self-service by automatically guiding and securing electrical wiring during assembly. The cable holders are positioned to automatically receive and secure cables as the support frame is assembled, eliminating the need for separate manual clipping operations. This self-securing mechanism reduces labor requirements and production costs.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual assembly of removable clips is required, then electrical wiring can be attached, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable holding function is merged into the support frame structure itself, with cable holders formed as integral parts during frame manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate manual attachment steps, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining ease of wiring attachment. The cable holders are pre-positioned and ready to receive cables during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable holders are preliminarily formed as integral parts of the support frame during its manufacturing process, before the actual cable installation occurs. This preliminary preparation of the cable securing mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming manual assembly steps during final installation, as the holders are already in place and ready to secure cables.
3Productivity
If integral snap-fit fastening devices are used in the support frame, then cable fixation is simplified, but the frame structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable fixation function is merged into the support frame structure by forming cable holders as integral parts of the frame. This integration simplifies the overall assembly process and increases productivity, as the cable holders are automatically positioned during frame manufacturing. The structural complexity increase is minimal and localized to specific areas where cable securing is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit fastening devices are implemented locally at specific positions on the support frame where cable securing is required, rather than making the entire frame structure complex. This localized approach to adding fixation features maintains overall frame simplicity while providing the necessary cable securing functionality, balancing assembly speed with structural simplicity.
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 approach reduces manufacturing time and costs by simplifying the assembly process, enabling the delivery of pre-wired shutter devices that require fewer complex assembly steps on the vehicle, while also providing protection for the electrical cables from external elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one snap-fit fastening device comprises two elastic tabs placed opposite each other and between which the electrical supply cable(s) are able to be housed
Implementation Method 2
the support frame comprising at least one snap-fit fastening device for the electrical supply cable(s)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sealing device (1) for the front-end air intake of a motor vehicle, including: a supporting frame (5) comprising two longitudinal crossmembers (5a), parallel to one another, and two side posts (5b), perpendicular to said longitudinal crossmembers (5a) and connecting said longitudinal crossmembers (5a); at least one flap (3), pivotably mounted about an axis (A) for pivoting between a sealing position and an open position, said at least one flap (3) being installed within the supporting frame (5); at least one electric control element (13) that controls the positioning of the flap(s) (3) and is capable of being connected to the electric system of the motor vehicle by at least one electricity supply cable (20), the supporting frame (5) comprising at least one device (15) for snap-fit attachment of the electricity supply cable(s) (20), said snap-fit device (15) being integral with said supporting frame (5).