Vehicle Spoiler Rubber Polymer with Detachable Interlocking Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle spoilers with movable airflow guiding elements face inefficiencies due to wear in specific areas, leading to costly and wasteful replacement of entire articles when only a small part is damaged, and actuating members can become damaged, requiring replacement of the entire assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a molded rubber polymer article with a detachable connection using interlocking elements along connectable edges, allowing for easy disconnection and replacement of worn parts, utilizing a coupling means like a zip or slide fastener integrated during molding, ensuring a strong and elastic connection without altering the rubber's properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire article is replaced when a small area is worn, then the worn area is replaced, but a large amount of still-functional material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means is divided into a first member integrated with the molded article and a second member integrated with the other article, allowing the other article to be detached and replaced independently. This segmentation enables replacement of only the worn component rather than the entire assembly, reducing material waste while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If the actuating member is permanently connected to the airflow guiding element, then the connection is strong, but the actuating member cannot be easily replaced when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means segments the connection between the airflow guiding element and actuating member into detachable first and second members with interlocking elements. This allows the actuating member to be replaced independently when damaged, while the interlocking elements maintain a strong connection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The interlocking elements with connecting and disconnecting capabilities enable the connection to be adjusted based on operational needs, allowing easy replacement of the actuating member while maintaining strength during use.
3Ease of manufacture
If interlocking elements are exposed during molding, then connection is possible, but the interlocking elements are damaged by the molding process
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding element is positioned over the interlocking elements before the molding process begins. This preliminary protective action prevents the interlocking elements from being damaged by the molding process, while still allowing the first member to be integrated with the molded article. The shielding element is removed after molding to expose the intact interlocking elements for connection.
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
Enables the ready detachment and reattachment of the airflow guiding element and actuating member, allowing for the replacement of damaged components while maintaining the connection's strength and elasticity, reducing waste and costs by allowing only the worn parts to be replaced.
Implementation Method 1
adding unvulcanized rubber polymer to the mold, and vulcanizing the rubber polymer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a molded article (11) of a rubber polymer to which another article (12) is detachably connected. The method comprises the steps of providing a coupling means (2), comprising a first (2a) and second (2b) member, both of which are provided with interlocking elements (21,22) along connectable edges, the interlocking elements (21,22) being configured to interlock in a substantially continuous way along the edges in the connected state, and unlock in the disconnected state; integrating the first member (2a) and the molded article (11), such that its interlocking elements (21) are available for connection; integrating the second member (2b) and the other article (12), such that its interlocking elements (22) are available for connection; and interlocking the interlocking elements (21,22) of the first and second member (2a,2b) to produce the detachable connection between the articles. The invention further relates to a vehicle spoiler (1), portions of which are mutually connected by the method of the invention.