Automotive Spoiler Continuous Profile Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spoiler attachment methods to vehicle tailgates are time-consuming and prone to deformation issues due to temperature variations, leading to aesthetic problems like shrink marks and waves, especially near the roof area.
Innovation Solution
A spoiler design featuring a continuous profile with a latching groove for quick attachment to the tailgate, combined with screw fixation on the bezel side, which reduces assembly time, prevents deformation, and minimizes the size and weight of the retaining lining, while ensuring sealing and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw fixing is used to attach the spoiler to the tailgate, then the resistance to tearing is high, but the assembly time increases due to independent screw installation and encapsulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into two distinct zones: a first fixing zone near the roof using a continuous profile for quick attachment, and a second fixing zone near the bezel using discrete screws for high strength. This segmentation allows each zone to use the most appropriate fixing method for its specific requirements, resolving the contradiction between assembly speed and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fixing qualities are applied to different locations: the continuous profile provides distributed attachment along the roof side for speed, while discrete screws provide concentrated high-strength attachment at the bezel side. This local differentiation optimizes both assembly time and resistance to tearing in their respective zones.
2Strength
If screw fixing is used to attach the spoiler to the tailgate, then the resistance to tearing is high, but the assembly complexity increases due to encapsulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is divided into two zones with different complexity levels: the continuous profile zone requires no encapsulation and simple snap-in installation, while the screw zone uses traditional encapsulated screws only where high strength is needed. This segmentation reduces overall assembly complexity while maintaining necessary strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete fixing points are used near the roof, then the assembly is simpler, but temperature variations cause deformation and aesthetic defects like shrink marks and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous profile provides continuous attachment along the roof side of the spoiler, eliminating the gaps between discrete fixing points. This continuous support prevents the plastic spoiler from deforming between attachment points during temperature variations, thereby preventing shrink marks and waves while maintaining assembly simplicity.
4Strength
If a larger retaining lining is used to accommodate all attachment means, then the attachment strength is improved, but the spoiler weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means are segmented between two systems: the continuous profile for primary attachment and discrete screws for reinforcement. This allows the retaining lining to be optimized for the continuous profile only, rather than accommodating all attachment means, thereby reducing weight and manufacturing cost while maintaining attachment strength through the combined system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a spoiler (1) comprising a skin (2) having an outer surface (21) and an inner surface (22), a retaining lining (3) fixed to the inner surface (22) of the skin (2), and fastening means for attaching the spoiler (1) to a tailgate (10) in a region near a rear window, referred to as the rear window fastening means, and fastening means for attaching the spoiler (1) to the tailgate (10) in a region near a roof (II), referred to as the roof-side fastening means (II). The roof-side fastening means (II) comprise at least one continuous profile (4) having a snap-fit groove (41) adapted to cooperate with snap-fit means of the tailgate (10), the profile (4) being continuously fixed to the inner surface (22) of the skin (2).