Universal Motor Vehicle Armature Mounting for Actuator Adaptability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle armature designs require modifications whenever different actuators are used, which is inefficient and costly due to the armature's multiple functions beyond supporting ventilation flaps.

Innovation Solution

A modular armature assembly with pre-positioning and fixing means, including ribs and grooves, and a pin and eyelet system, allows the same armature to accommodate various actuators, ensuring secure attachment without the need for structural changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the armature structure is modified to accommodate different actuators, then the actuator compatibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator compatibilityVSAvoidarmature structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the mounting system into two separate functional components: a standardized armature structure and a modular support element. The support element is segmented to accommodate different actuator types through its positioning means (ribs and grooves) and fixing means (pin and eyelet), while the armature itself remains unchanged. This segmentation allows the support element to bear the adaptability burden, preserving the armature's structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armature is designed as a universal mounting structure that can support multiple actuator types through the standardized support element. The support element incorporates multiple functions: positioning (ribs and grooves), fixing (pin and eyelet), and actuator accommodation. This multi-functionality in the support element enables the armature to serve as a universal mounting platform without requiring structural modifications for different actuators.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the armature structure is modified for each actuator type, then the actuator integration is improved, but the production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator integrationVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is pre-configured with positioning means (ribs and grooves) and fixing means (pin and eyelet) during manufacturing. These pre-integrated features enable rapid actuator integration without requiring post-production modifications to the armature. The preliminary action of embedding multiple mounting mechanisms in the support element streamlines the integration process and maintains high production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support element acts as an intermediary component between the standardized armature and various actuator types. It mediates the integration process by providing adapter-like functionality through its positioning and fixing means, allowing different actuators to be mounted on the same armature without modifying the armature itself. This intermediary role preserves production efficiency while achieving actuator-specific integration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the armature is redesigned for each actuator, then the functional requirements are met, but the industrial cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator support capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the mounting system into a standardized armature and a modular support element that can be manufactured independently. The support element is designed to accommodate different actuators through its positioning and fixing means, while the armature maintains a simple, cost-effective structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to redesigning the entire armature for each actuator type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armature is designed as a universal, multi-functional structure that can support various actuator types through the standardized support element. This universality eliminates the need for costly armature redesigns for different actuators. The support element incorporates the necessary adaptability features (positioning ribs, grooves, pin, and eyelet) at a lower cost than redesigning the entire armature structure, thereby reducing industrial manufacturing costs while meeting functional requirements.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2714491B1Assembly consisting of a motor vehicle front surface frame element and a mounting intended to support an actuator
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP2714491B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (1) consisting of a frame element (2), which is intended to be located on the front surface of a motor vehicle, and a mounting (3), wherein said assembly (1) includes a means for positioning the mounting (3) on the frame element (2) and wherein said mounting (3) includes a securing means for supporting an actuator (4) that is capable of driving one or more members that must be mounted onto said frame element (2).