Wind Deflector Lateral Mounting for Easy Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind deflector devices for passenger vehicles are difficult to assemble and attach due to complex mounting procedures, including challenges with finding rear recesses and potential entanglements with seat belts, requiring the operator to support the weight of the wind deflector during installation.
Innovation Solution
A wind deflector device with pivotably connected components and fixing devices featuring rigid holding elements that intersect with side vehicle panels, allowing for form-fitting interaction with receptacles on the vehicle, eliminating the need for complex pin insertion and providing secure storage without protruding into the passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixing devices with retractable holding pins are used, then the wind deflector can be attached to the vehicle, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is segmented into a cover portion and a wind deflector portion that can be assembled separately and then connected through simple insertion of holding elements into receptacles, dividing the complex assembly into manageable steps
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are designed to be self-aligning with the receptacles through their lateral extension and intersection with side vehicle panels, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or operator support during installation
2Reliability
If rear retaining pins are pushed into recesses between rear seat and quarter panel, then the wind deflector can be secured, but it becomes difficult to find the recesses and entanglements with seat belts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle beyond the cover frame and intersect the side vehicle panels when viewed from above, changing the insertion direction from longitudinal to transverse/lateral for easier access and visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacles are designed with opening directions that facilitate easy identification and access, acting as intermediaries that guide the holding elements into proper engagement without requiring the operator to search for hidden recesses
3Ease of manufacture
If the operator supports the weight of the wind deflector during installation, then the front retaining pins can be unlocked and inserted, but the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into independent steps where the cover and wind deflector are assembled separately with their respective fixing devices, allowing the weight to be managed in smaller portions rather than supporting the entire assembly simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are designed to be insertable without operator support through their lateral extension and intersection with side vehicle panels, making the assembly process self-supporting and eliminating the need for the operator to bear the weight during installation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The device has a wind deflector and a cover connected with the wind deflector in a swivelable manner to cover a partial area of a passenger compartment area of a passenger car. Fixing devices (15) fix the cover in the car, where one of the fixing devices has rigid retaining units (16) that extend locally over a frame (13) of the cover in a vehicle transverse direction and intersect lateral trim panels (21). The retaining units positively cooperate with attachments (17) arranged in the car, where the units are designed as lugs or pins, and the frame is designed as aluminum profile.