Spoiler Connection Hook With Rotating Lock for Flush Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current assembly methods for motor vehicle spoilers, which involve clipping and screwing, fail to adequately reduce clearances and flushes between parts, resulting in an uneven aesthetic appearance due to insufficient stress on the components to deform and align them properly.

Innovation Solution

A locking element with a cylindrical body and retaining fins that snap-fit the parts together, allowing for isostatic assembly by pressing the parts together when locked, preventing relative movement and ensuring a flush, continuous appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clips and screws are used to assemble spoiler parts, then the parts can be fixed to the tailgate, but gaps and misalignments between parts cannot be eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidflushness between parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element transitions from an unlocked to a locked position through rotation, dynamically changing the assembly state. This rotational movement allows the locking element to engage with retaining elements and apply deformation force, transforming the static clipped assembly into a flush, aligned configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element changes the physical state of the spoiler parts by applying stress that deforms them elastically. This parameter change in shape and position of the parts eliminates gaps and achieves flushness, while the locking element itself changes position from unlocked to locked through rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If pre-assembly by clipping is used, then assembly is simplified, but sufficient stress cannot be applied to deform components and eliminate gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidgap elimination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process is segmented into distinct phases: initial clipping for ease of assembly, followed by locking element engagement for precision alignment. The locking element acts as a separate mechanism that applies the necessary stress to eliminate gaps without complicating the initial assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clipping operation performs a preliminary assembly function, positioning the parts in approximate alignment. This preliminary action simplifies the overall process by getting parts close to final position, after which the locking element performs the precision alignment by applying deformation stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple assembly elements are used, then fixation is secured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidnumber of assembly elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element combines multiple functions into a single component: it prevents relative movement between parts, applies deformation stress to eliminate gaps, and secures the flush alignment. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly elements needed while maintaining assembly stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical lock to prevent movement, a deformation tool to close gaps, and an alignment device to ensure flushness. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating several functions into one element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces clearances and flushes between parts, enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the spoiler by ensuring a homogeneous and contiguous external finish, while also accommodating thermal expansion and providing secure fixation.

Implementation Method 1

the locking element, which presses the two parts together when in its locked position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the retaining fins of the locking element interact with the retaining elements of each part to prevent any relative movement between the two parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the stop element interacts with the locking element to prevent any relative movement between the two parts in a direction perpendicular to said plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric Constraint: Geometry

Implementation Method 4

accommodating thermal expansion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3599146B1Connection hook for spoiler
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 NOVARES FRANCE
  • EP3599146B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3599146B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3599146B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6c

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (10) formed by the assembly of two parts (1, 2), in particular bodywork, of a motor vehicle comprising: - a first part (1); - a second part (2), said first and second parts (1, 2) being assembled by clipping or snapping; - a locking element (4) intended to prevent any relative movement between the first and second parts (1, 2), said locking element (4) being able to move in rotation around an axis (ZZ') under the action of maneuvering means between an unlocked position, in which a relative movement between the first and second parts (1, 2) is possible, and a locked position, in which it prevents any relative movement between the first and second parts (1, 2).