International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

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Rat Entry Prevention in Vehicle Cowl Panel Grill

Author(s) Mr. Deepak Senthil Kumar, Ms. Benita Sharon, Mr. Saravanan Vijayakumar, Mr. Pushkar Jangid
Country India
Abstract The cowl panel serves as a protective cover between the hood and windshield of a vehicle, designed to direct water away from critical components. However, it can also provide a point of entry for rodents like rats, which may cause damage to the engine compartment. Once the rat enters the cowl panel, these rats’ bit on wiring harnesses of the vehicle, leading to electrical shorts and failures in vital systems, including the air filter and blower motor system, thereby reducing HVAC efficiency. Due to the intrusion of the rat, the ventilation system in the vehicle is affected due to unpleasant scent and causes significant discomfort for passengers. Moreover, damage to wiring can disrupt various features, such as powertrain system components, multimedia systems and climate control, compromising both comfort and safety. Therefore, to prevent the intrusion of the rat through the cowl panel, an accessory that involves the installation of a specialized mesh of sheet metal that is overlayed on the cowl panel grill, utilizing a Plastic Rivet Clip for secure closure. This innovative accessory design aims to effectively prevent the intrusion of rats and other pests into the HVAC system while ensuring that the functionality of the vehicle is not compromised. The plastic rivet clip prevents vibration and enables easy removal for maintenance or inspection. Overall, this approach addresses both the immediate concerns of rat intrusion and the long-term performance of the vehicle.
Keywords Cowl panel, Wiring harnesses, HVAC efficiency, Ventilation system, Plastic Rivet Clip, sheet metal, Pest intrusion, Rat intrusion.
Field Engineering
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On 2025-08-23
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.53863

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