Vehicle Mount Insert With Pivoting Axial and Rotational Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inserts used to fix functional vehicle elements, such as cooling modules, often fail to maintain a locked state securely while allowing for easy unlocking, leading to unintended transitions between locked and unlocked states, particularly due to complex unlocking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a head with an elongated body that pivots around a longitudinal axis, featuring axial and rotational locking elements, including elastically deformable blades and an axial stop element, which ensures secure locking and facilitates controlled unlocking by allowing access to the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insert uses a simple locking mechanism along the longitudinal axis, then the locking is easy to implement, but the passage from locked to unlocked state can occur unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent segments: axial locking (preventing translation along Z axis) and rotational locking (preventing rotation around Z axis). The axial stop element handles axial locking while the blade element handles rotational locking, allowing each to be optimized independently for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade element is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt between locked and unlocked states. The blade can flex outward to engage the support surface for locking, and flex inward when force is applied to the drive element for unlocking, providing both stability and controllability.
2Reliability
If the insert uses a rotation-based locking mechanism, then the locked state is more secure, but the unlocking mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational locking function is extracted from the axial locking mechanism. The blade element is mounted on the head and extends toward the support, engaging with the support surface independently of the axial stop element, simplifying the overall unlocking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade element acts as an intermediary between the head and the support surface for rotational locking. It provides a simple mechanical interface that can be actuated by applying force to its free end, avoiding complex unlocking mechanisms while maintaining secure rotational locking.
3Reliability
If the stop element is positioned close to the support surface, then the axial locking is more secure, but access to the locking mechanism is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is designed to protrude axially from the head in the Z direction, creating a dimensional separation between the locking interface (at the support surface) and the access path (along the elongated body). This allows the stop element to maintain secure axial locking while leaving the locking mechanism accessible through the elongated body's opening.
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
This configuration maintains the insert in a locked state while enabling secure unlocking, reducing the risk of unintended transitions and improving the reliability of the mounting process, thereby enhancing the stability and safety of the vehicle's components.
Implementation Method 1
each blade is elastically deformable, and is configured so as to urge, in the locked state, the head constantly in a direction opposite to said support
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an insert (1) for the support (5) of a motor vehicle, comprising a head (2) from which a long body (3) extends according to a longitudinal axis Z. The insert (1) is designed so as to vary, by means of the pivoting of the insert (1) about the longitudinal axis Z, between a locked state wherein the head (2) and an abutment (5a, 5b) carried by the long body (3) cooperate with an axial locking element (6c, 6b) carried by the support (6) in such a way as to inhibit a translatory movement of the insert (1) in relation to said support (6) along the longitudinal axis Z, and an unlocked state wherein the long body (3) of the insert (1) can be inserted into an opening (6a) of the support (6) or removed from the opening (6a) of the support (6). The insert (1) comprises a first rotatably locking element (7a, 7b) mounted on the head (2) and designed so as to inhibit the rotation of the insert (1) about the longitudinal axis Z, by means of cooperation with a second rotatably locking element carried by the support (6), when the insert (1) is in the locked state.