Anti-rotation Arrow Retainer for Automotive Trim Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching a trim cover to a foam pad in automotive vehicle seats are expensive, labor-intensive, and prone to wrinkling and shifting, lacking inaccuracy and reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

An attachment device with an elongated component featuring a barb and key, coupled with a base component having spaced fingers and a keyway, securely fastens the trim cover to the foam pad along a predefined groove, preventing removal and rocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional attachment methods (hog rings, VELCRO, clips, adhesives) are used to attach trim cover to foam pad, then the attachment function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases and labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment process simplicityVSAvoidattachment device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is divided into two separate components: a base component embedded in the foam pad and an elongated attachment component with barb and key features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple injection molding processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attaching the trim cover directly to the foam pad using complex external fasteners, the solution inverts the approach by embedding a passive base component into the foam pad during manufacturing, then simply inserting the attachment component through the trim cover to engage with the base. This reverses the traditional attachment sequence and simplifies the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If traditional attachment methods are used, then attachment is achieved, but labor time and assembly duration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidlabor time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base component is pre-embedded into the foam pad during the foam manufacturing process, before final assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate attachment operations during final assembly, significantly reducing labor time and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment component features a barb that automatically engages with the base component upon insertion, and a key feature that prevents removal without special tools. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for additional fastening operations or specialized installation tools, allowing workers to complete attachment quickly by simply inserting the component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If simple attachment methods are used, then cost is reduced, but attachment reliability and resistance to wrinkling/shifting decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidattachment device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment component features an asymmetric barb structure that engages unidirectionally with the base component, providing strong resistance to forces that would cause wrinkling or shifting. The key feature creates an asymmetric fit within the keyway, preventing rotational movement and ensuring reliable attachment while maintaining simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment along predefined grooves is required, then manufacturing precision increases, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base component is pre-positioned along predefined grooves in the foam pad during foam manufacturing, ensuring precise alignment is achieved during the foam molding process rather than during final assembly. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The key feature on the attachment component acts as an intermediary alignment element that fits into a corresponding keyway on the base component. This mechanical interface guides the attachment component into precise alignment with the groove during insertion, making the alignment process simple and foolproof while maintaining high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8690257B2Anti-rotation arrow retainer and clip

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 MAGNA SEATING INC

AI summary

An attachment device for securing a trim cover to foam pad. The attachment device includes an elongated attachment component coupled to the trim cover and a base component disposed within the foam pad. The attachment component includes an outwardly protruding barb and a key pad at a distal end thereof. The base component includes a retaining element having a pair of spaced apart fingers defining a gap there between and a keyway at the bottom of the retaining element between the fingers that is adapted for receiving the key. The key of the attachment component is disposed in the keyway of the retaining element and one of the fingers interacts with the barb to prevent removal of the attachment component from the base component.