Motor Vehicle Side Spoiler Single-Direction Snap-In Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side spoilers for motor vehicles require complex and costly joining methods, such as welding or adhesive bonding, which increase production expenses and reduce profitability due to the need for additional equipment and longer curing times.
Innovation Solution
A side spoiler design featuring a shell-like spoiler element with a fold forming an undercut and a flange, allowing for a single joining direction via a telescoping connection using a latching element and counter-locking element, reducing the need for snap-in connections on both sides and eliminating visible markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding methods (ultrasonic or laser welding) are used to connect the spoiler element and carrier element, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to complex systems and additional clamping and positioning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex welding systems (ultrasonic or laser welding equipment) with a simple mechanical snap-in connection system. The carrier element features a geometric design with a hook-shaped engagement structure that snaps into a recess in the spoiler element, eliminating the need for sophisticated welding machinery while achieving sufficient connection strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-in connection is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The carrier element's geometric shape automatically guides itself into the correct position during assembly, and the snap-in mechanism inherently provides both positioning and securing functions without requiring external clamping or positioning devices.
2Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to connect the spoiler element and carrier element, then the connection strength is improved, but the loss of time increases due to curing time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding (a chemical joining process requiring curing time) with a mechanical snap-in connection. This immediate mechanical engagement eliminates the waiting period for adhesive curing, allowing for faster assembly cycles and improved production efficiency while maintaining adequate connection strength.
3Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to connect the spoiler element and carrier element, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to complex application procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-in connection is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The carrier element's geometric shape automatically guides itself into the correct position during assembly, and the snap-in mechanism inherently provides both positioning and securing functions without requiring external clamping or positioning devices.
4Ease of manufacture
If snap-in connection is realized directly on the inside of the spoiler element, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to markings on the visible side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the snap-in connection mechanism from the visible surface area of the spoiler element. By positioning the engagement features on the carrier element (which faces inward toward the vehicle body) rather than on the visible outer surface of the spoiler, the design eliminates visible markings while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a side spoiler for a motor vehicle, comprising a shell-like spoiler element (1) which forms the outer contour, wherein the spoiler element (1) comprises a visible side (20) and an inner side (2) opposite same, comprising a carrier element (3) which is arranged on the inner side (2) and can be connected to the spoiler element (1) for fastening to the body or to another attachment of the motor vehicle, wherein the spoiler element (1) and the carrier element (3) are configured in an elongated manner, wherein the spoiler element (1) along the longitudinal sides (4a, 4b) thereof has a first lateral edge (5) and a second lateral edge (6) opposite same, wherein the first lateral edge (5) is formed at least in sections by an edgefold (5a) which forms an undercut (7) with the inner side (2), and wherein the second lateral edge (6) is formed by a flange (8) which projects from the inner side (2), and wherein the carrier element (3) extends in the connected state at least in sections from the first lateral side (5) to the second lateral side (6), wherein the carrier element (3) is connected here in a form-fitting manner to the first lateral side (5) by the at least one contact region (9) via the undercut (7) and the carrier element (3) is additionally connected to the second lateral edge (6) via at least one detent connection (10), wherein the detent connection (10) is formed by a detent element (10a), which projects from the flange (8) and forms a channel (11) with the inner side (2), and by a detent counter element (10b) which is formed on the carrier element (3) and is accommodated in the channel (11), as a result of which the spoiler element (1) and the carrier element (3) can be connected in a single joining direction (FR) to each other.