Fastenerless attachment system applied to vehicle engine cooling module components
US7703730B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01P2070/50
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fastening system fastens a radiator, an electric fan support and a fan shroud as a single unit. The radiator has lower and upper posts to which slotted plates protruding from the fan support and fan shroud fit over. A structural sandwich is formed with the fan support lying between the radiator and the fan shroud. A flexible lever arm with a locking tab lies adjacent to the upper post of the radiator and connects to the radiator. When the fan support is fitted over the posts, the top plate of the electric fan support locks under the first lever arm tab. The fan shroud also has two slotted plates that also fit over the posts of the radiator. The fan shroud locks into place when a lever arm with a tab on the fan shroud locks under a tab that protrudes from the top plate of the fan support.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.