Under-Engine Protection Fastening with Guided Sliding Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching engine underbody protection elements in motor vehicles are cumbersome and difficult to assemble due to limited visibility and space during installation.
Innovation Solution
A device with L-shaped sliding surfaces and a stop mechanism is used to guide and secure the attachment of the under-engine protection element to the front support, facilitating assembly by guiding the movement and ensuring optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional attachment methods are used for engine underbody protection, then the protection element can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and difficult due to limited visibility and space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary component between the engine cradle and the protection element. This support includes a sliding surface that interfaces with a corresponding sliding surface on the front support, enabling guided movement during assembly. The intermediary support simplifies the attachment operation by providing a mechanical guidance system that works within the confined space under the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the attachment mechanism by changing the geometric parameters of the support structure. The sliding surface is designed with specific dimensions and orientations (including an L-shaped profile with rims extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) to enable controlled movement. These parameter changes transform the assembly process from a complex alignment task to a simple guided sliding operation.
2Ease of operation
If the support is designed with sliding surfaces for guided movement, then assembly is facilitated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: a body portion, a sliding surface with L-shaped profile, and a stop mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently. The sliding surface handles guidance, while the stop handles positioning, reducing the overall complexity by dividing the support into specialized sub-components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complex adjustment mechanism to achieve precise positioning, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple stop element that passively limits movement to the desired position. The sliding surface enables free movement in the correct direction, and the stop automatically defines the endpoint, eliminating the need for active control or complex positioning systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for attaching an under-engine protective element (2) to a front-end support (1) of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a bracket (3) arranged to be attached to one end of the front-end support (1), characterized in that the bracket (3) comprises a sliding surface arranged to slide on a corresponding sliding surface of the front-end support (1) when mounting the bracket (3) on the front-end support (1), the attachment device additionally comprising a stop arranged to limit the movement of the bracket (3) on the front-end support (1).