Bracket Resin Member Abuts Belt Molding Inner Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing frame molding fastening structure in vehicles experiences dimensional variations due to roll molding, leading to loose or corrugated coupling portions between moldings, and requires multiple coupling steps involving welding and bolts.

Innovation Solution

A frame molding fastening structure that incorporates a bracket with a resin member, including ribs, which abuts the inner surfaces of the belt molding, increasing the abutment area and eliminating the need for welding and bolts, thereby enhancing the rigidity and stability of the coupling portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the belt molding is formed by roll molding, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but dimensional variations occur in the cross-section leading to loose or corrugated coupling portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoiddimensional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a resin member with ribs that changes the contact parameters between the bracket and belt molding. The ribs increase the contact area and distribute the load, compensating for dimensional variations caused by roll molding while maintaining high manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resin member acts as an intermediary between the metal bracket and the roll-molded belt molding. It absorbs dimensional variations and provides a stable coupling interface, preventing loose or corrugated coupling portions while allowing continued use of roll molding for efficient production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If welding and bolts are used to fasten the bracket, then coupling strength is improved, but the number of coupling steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidnumber of coupling steps

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fastening function and the coupling function into a single integrated bracket structure. The bracket simultaneously fastens to the rear molding and couples with the belt molding through the resin member, eliminating the need for separate welding and bolting operations while maintaining coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (welding and bolts) with a integrated bracket-resin member system that achieves coupling through geometric interlocking and friction. This substitution reduces the number of coupling steps while maintaining adequate coupling strength for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8033587B2Frame molding fastening structure

Publication Date: 2011.10.11 AISIN SEIKI KK

AI summary

A frame molding fastening structure is disclosed. The frame molding includes a first molding, a second molding, and a bracket that fastens the first and second molding to each other. The bracket includes a fixed portion fixed to the first molding and an insertion portion inserted into the second molding. The insertion portion includes a main body and a resin member. The main body includes a first portion, which is located at one end side of a cross-section perpendicular to an insertion direction of the insertion portion relative to the second molding, and a second portion, which is located at an end portion at an opposite side of the first portion. The resin member is arranged in at least either one of the first portion and the second portion to abut an inner surface of the second molding.