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Help Me Name This Product

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Hybrid Effects, Mar 1, 2008.

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  1. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    I have a name in mind but do not want to influence any ones judgment.

    If I pick your product name you will receive the product free.

    Keep in mind this first product is for the prius BUT it will need a name THAT WILL WORK WITH ALL CARS that the product will eventually fit. I am sure other car owners will ask if I can make one for there car,truck or Suv.

    I will get a picture soon.

    The part covers the lower bumper intake and it is flush (follows the bumpers factory shape) with the bumper.
    It also has a small concave ridge that follows the original hole opening. Which should assist alignment of the product during installation.
    The product will also extend 3/4" past the original hole size around the perimeter.
    As far as attachment you could use double side stick tape,silicon on the flange or epoxy mounting tabs on the inside to accommodate some type of zip tie or strap to hold it in place.
    I am in the process now of tuning the mold and will have some parts out very soon.
    To speed up the time to get the product on the market I am thinking of releasing the product with no holes or vents.

    I still not have not found a supplier of rubber or plastic caps to fill holes.

    (1)Maybe someone here can help me name the product.
    (2)Maybe someone knows a manufacturer of rubber or plastic plugs for around
    1 1/2" to 2" holes and will be flush with the part surface.

    Thanks Franklin
     
    #1 Hybrid Effects, Mar 1, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    No name suggestions, but it sure would be nice if there were some clips (similar to what are used on the dash for assembly/disassembly) that would allow snap-on attachment and removal whenever desired.
     
    #2 efusco, Mar 1, 2008
  3. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    That's a Great Idea. I bet Velcro would hold it in place. It is not like it will fall off easy because air will be pushing on it most of the time. Velcro and angle brackets. I was hoping to keep the outside free of screws and such for attachment.

    I will probably offer it in carbon fiber and also the option to have it pre painted the color of your car or any color you like.

    Thanks Franklin
    [email protected]
     
    #3 Hybrid Effects, Mar 1, 2008
  4. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    Since it works to defend the engine. like the front line of a (American) football team, you add a little green on the logo, and call the thing Mean Joe Green.

    Ignore the fact that I come from Pittsburgh.
     
    #4 Doc Willie, Mar 1, 2008
  5. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    I'll be the first one to suggest some names.

    AeroBlock or Aero Block

    FlatBlock or Flat Block

    Smoothflow Aerodynamic grill block
     
    #5 bestmapman, Mar 1, 2008
  6. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Yeah, I'd be inclined to agree with bestmapman on a name such as Aeroblock or perhaps Opti-Grab (though I think that one's already taken).

    I would think that after you get the main concept and attachment figured out, you can start messing with graphics and shapes. For example, a version with shark teeth or flames or electrical bolts or maybe even human teeth a la the "Cars" movie. Physically, what about a version that is flush with the bumper on the edges but scoops in like the intake on a fighter jet and matte black in the middle to give the impression that this is some sort of intake. That would create a concave surface which might negatively affect mileage unless there's enough of an air bubble created to deflect the windflow. Of course, that makes me think that it might be a good idea to create one that is rounded so as to create a teardrop leading edge that's natural to the curves of the lower bumper. Consideration would need to be taken for fog lights.

    How about the simple name of the "LGB: Lower Grill Block." Or perhaps "LBTPI: Looks Better Than Pipe Insulation."
     
    #6 TonyPSchaefer, Mar 1, 2008
  7. donee

    donee New Member

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    Hi All,

    One could make clips that grab onto the grill rails. For a quick trial, just hot glue some of that pipe insulation we use now to the back of it. Then when you push it on, the foam will part around the rail, and grab once behind it. This is not a professional solution, but would work for a mock-up.
     
    #7 donee, Mar 1, 2008
  8. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    The theory behind the design is to keep it simple.

    I would like to determine a reasonable price and by giving the consumer some of the challenges of final completion will enable me to keep the cost as low as possible.

    Thanks Franklin
     
    #8 Hybrid Effects, Mar 1, 2008
  9. donee

    donee New Member

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    Hi Franklin,

    What would be more simple than using the grill, with its factory installed attachement, to hold your product on the car ?
     
    #9 donee, Mar 1, 2008
  10. Gadgetdad

    Gadgetdad New Member

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    :) Since the product will be essentially a air-dam and a device to block cold air, how about the name: Damn Cold Blocker?
     
    #10 Gadgetdad, Mar 1, 2008
  11. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    sCARf? MaskCar? ChinWrap? :drum:
     
    #11 hyo silver, Mar 1, 2008
  12. Gadgetdad

    Gadgetdad New Member

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    :doh: How about "Nose-guard", or "Nose-Plug"!

    sorry, my mind just seems to go to the funny side at times:D

    Lee
     
    #12 Gadgetdad, Mar 1, 2008
  13. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    The Demi-Bra.
     
    #13 Rae Vynn, Mar 1, 2008
  14. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    I'd have to advise caution if your planning to use your idea on other cars since they may need the airflow to prevent overheating even during the winter.
    Glad to see that you were able to design a product already.

    Some names:
    "Heat retention block"
    "Winter Air Deflector"
    "Aero Heat Device"
    "Furnace Air Splitter"
    "HeatArmor"
     
    #14 Bob64, Mar 1, 2008
  15. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    Velcro or double-stick tape are Right Out as far as a fastening
    mechanism; both will fail within two weeks or less. You need
    serious, positive-lock clips of some sort, that would ideally
    hook through the stock grille plastic slats and lock in via some
    kind of external, low-profile fittings/handles. Maybe those
    1/4-turn screw-head things that "tee" into a slot, but only if
    they could withstand a lot of vibration.
    .
    I would think toward a complete block of the upper "smiley" grille
    opening, and a *partial* and possibly user-settable amount of
    blocking for the lower. You do want a bit of air coming in to
    go through the inverter radiator, which is the lower third
    or so of the radiator assemblies. Engine -- who cares, roast the
    sucker, but don't let those big ol' power transistors get hot.
    .
    _H*
     
    #15 hobbit, Mar 1, 2008
  16. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    I have also been researching adjustable vents that could possibly be automated I even thought about plastic floor registers like in a house. I have searched high and low for a company that makes round vents I think they are called rose vents you turn them to close them off.

    OK with some of the names out there I will disclose the name that first came to my mind. "SMILE BLOCKER" :cool: but unfortunately I think that name will mainly apply to the Prius.
    Thanks Franklin
     
    #16 Hybrid Effects, Mar 1, 2008
  17. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    What about a big magnet to hold it on?
     
    #17 patsparks, Mar 1, 2008
  18. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    1. It is easier to sell the sizzle than it is to sell the steak.
    2. It is easer to sell an idea than it is the item.
    3. If they'll buy the bubbles, the beer follows.

    That said, my nominations for consideration are:

    Leading Edge Radiator Bypass (illusions to flight, or early adoption, firstness,)

    Aero-Shield (playing off its familiar sibling with deflection duties, the windshield) -- with the possible addition of Radiator Bypass as a somewhat/sometimes accurate product demi-descriptor.
     
    #18 Rokeby, Mar 1, 2008
  19. Ichabod

    Ichabod Artist In Residence

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    In addition to taking fog lamps into consideration, you'll have to keep in mind that people who want something like this probably also have an engine block heater installed, and have the plug coming out the lower grill.

    Temperatrapâ„¢
    Thermalate
    Thermalock
    vICE
    ICE Shield
     
    #19 Ichabod, Mar 1, 2008
  20. judas_prius

    judas_prius New Member

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    It would be easy enough to make a locking mechanism that would use a small piece of flat bar that passes horizontally through the grill, then turns to vertical when locked. A hood lock kit or something similar might do the trick.

    Since you are trying to keep the cold air out... you could call it
    "CryoLock" or "CryoWall".

    For the fabrication maybe you could make it out of clear or frosted Lexan. This would open the doorway for some wild lighting effects as well.
     
    #20 judas_prius, Mar 1, 2008
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