Connecting Element for Bumper Trim Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decorative strips, especially those with chrome-plated locking hooks, often break off when attached to bumpers due to bending forces during the latching process, as the metal coating restricts movement and causes mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element is placed between the decorative strip and the bumper, featuring elastic first connecting means, such as U-shaped lugs or brackets, and snap-in hooks as second connecting means, which engage with the bumper's openings to distribute forces and prevent bending, ensuring secure attachment without mechanical loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking hooks are directly latched with openings in the bumper, then the decorative strip can be attached to the bumper, but bending forces cause the locking hooks to break off
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting element is introduced as an intermediary component between the decorative strip and the bumper. This connecting element has first connecting means that connect to the decorative strip and second connecting means that connect to the bumper openings, thereby mediating the connection and preventing direct bending forces on the locking hooks of the decorative strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the locking hooks on the decorative strip, the connecting element with its own connecting means, and the bumper openings. This segmentation allows the connecting element to absorb and distribute mechanical loads, protecting the locking hooks from breaking.
2Shape
If chrome plating is applied to locking hooks for aesthetic purposes, then the decorative appearance is improved, but the metal coating restricts movement and causes the hooks to break during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element serves as a mediator that performs the latching operation, allowing the chrome-plated locking hooks on the decorative strip to remain intact and aesthetically pleasing while the connecting element's connecting means engage with the bumper openings, thus protecting the plated hooks from mechanical stress during assembly.
3Reliability
If the connecting element is made visible in the finished assembly, then the connection function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance of the decorative strip is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to be nested or concealed within the assembly structure, positioned between the decorative strip and the bumper such that it is not visible from the exterior. This allows the connecting element to perform its stabilizing function while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the decorative strip.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution prevents the breaking of locking hooks by eliminating bending forces during assembly, allowing for a secure and stable attachment of decorative strips, including chrome trim, even under torsional movements, without visible components in the finished assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the first connecting means are advantageously elastic, preferably designed as locking tabs or spring elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Assembly (20) comprising a decorative strip (6), a bumper (10) with openings (16) and at least one connecting element (1) connecting the decorative strip to the bumper, wherein the at least one connecting element (1) is arranged between the decorative strip (6) and the bumper (10) and wherein the at least one connecting element (1) comprises first connecting means (4) that connect the decorative strip (6) to the connecting element (1) and has second connecting means (8) that connect the bumper (10) to the connecting element (1).