Wheel Wind Deflector Lever Joint With Resettable Overload Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lever systems for wheel wind deflectors lack effective overload protection, making them prone to damage and increasing costs due to the complexity and additional requirements of integrating protective mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A lever system with a rotatable joint containing a spring-loaded ball and sleeve, allowing the system to deviate without damage when overloaded, featuring a slipping clutch that can be reset without maintenance, and an actuator that returns the system to its initial state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If overload protection is integrated into the lever system, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverload protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overload protection function is merged into the existing lever system by integrating a spring-loaded ball mechanism directly into the joint connection between levers. This eliminates the need for separate protective mechanisms while providing reliable overload protection through the ball's ability to disengage when excessive forces are applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever system provides self-protection through the spring-loaded ball mechanism that automatically disengages when overload occurs and can be reset by simply reversing the lever movement. The system protects itself without requiring external monitoring or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional protective mechanisms are added, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverload protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is combined with existing lever components rather than adding separate protective devices. The spring-loaded ball mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured and assembled using standard processes, avoiding the need for specialized protective mechanism manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The overload protection uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (spring-loaded ball and recess) that can be easily manufactured at low cost. If the ball becomes worn or damaged, it can be replaced as a simple wear component without requiring complex protective mechanism replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If space is allocated for additional protective systems, then reliability is improved, but the space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverload protectionVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The overload protection mechanism is nested within the existing joint structure of the lever system. The spring-loaded ball and recess are positioned within the joint connection area, utilizing the existing spatial envelope without requiring additional external space for protective components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective mechanism shares the same spatial envelope as the lever joint connection, merging the protection function into the existing structural space rather than allocating separate space for protective components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides cost-effective overload protection that adapts to different load cases and reversibly triggers at defined force levels, preventing damage to the system while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the joint containing at least one ball in a sleeve, a spring and a support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

when a force occurs on the movable component, the ball is pressed out of the recess

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3967581B1Lever mechanism for a wheel deflector and method for operating a lever mechanism with overload protection
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 MAGNA EXTERIORS GMBH
  • EP3967581B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3967581B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3967581B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a lever system (20) for a wheel wind deflector (30) attached to a vehicle, comprising a first and second lever (1,2) which are rotatably connected to each other via a joint, wherein the joint includes at least a ball (4) in a sleeve (3), a spring (5) and a mounting plate (6), wherein the ball (4) is guided on an outer contour of the second lever (2).