Vehicle Side Member Cladding Latching Hook Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching side member claddings to motor vehicle side members result in visible sink marks, require additional fastening materials, and make it difficult to determine if the locking is secure or if the locking elements are deformed, leading to inefficiencies in installation and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped latching slot with a latching hook having a triangular cross-section and specific bevel angles for insertion and holding forces, integrated into the longitudinal beam cladding, allows for secure locking without visible deformations and additional fastening materials, enabling easy assembly and disassembly in one direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening materials and latching mechanisms are used, then the longitudinal beam cladding can be attached to the longitudinal beam, but visible sink marks are created and additional fastening materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful fastening materials (screws, clips, adhesives) from the visible surface area. By integrating the latching mechanism directly into the longitudinal beam cladding structure, the solution removes the need for separate fastening components that create visible sink marks, while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated latching elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fastening function with the longitudinal beam cladding structure itself. The latching mechanism is integrated into the cladding, combining the structural component with the fastening function, thereby eliminating the need for additional fastening materials and preventing visible surface defects
2Reliability
If molded catches are used on the side member cladding, then the cladding can be locked to the holding element, but the installation direction becomes restricted and assembly verification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism features asymmetric geometry with specific bevel angles (insertion bevel at 20°, holding bevel at 40°, butt bevel at 60°) that enable the locking element to be inserted and locked in one direction while preventing removal without deliberate action. This asymmetric design provides both secure locking and clear assembly verification through the directional nature of the engagement
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complex multi-directional assembly verification, the invention inverts the approach by designing the latching mechanism to provide inherent visual and tactile feedback during assembly. The locking state is clearly indicated by the engagement of the latching element with the holding element, making verification simple and intuitive
3Reliability
If additional fastening materials are used to ensure secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the construction volume and complexity of the fastening system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal beam cladding structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural cladding function and simultaneously integrates the fastening function through the latching mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fastening materials, reducing construction volume and system complexity while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the cladding structure with the fastening mechanism into a single integrated component. The latching elements are formed as part of the cladding structure itself, merging two previously separate functions (cladding and fastening) into one unified system, thereby reducing overall complexity and material requirements
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening of a longitudinal beam lining (1) on a longitudinal beam (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising a retaining element (3), which is fastened to the longitudinal beam (2). On the end region facing the retaining element (3), the longitudinal beam lining (1) comprises a detent element (4), with which the longitudinal beam lining (1) is latched to the retaining element (3). To reduce the volume of the fastening in comparison with the prior art, the detent element (4) comprises a thickness-reducing indent (5) with respect to the adjoining surface (6) of the longitudinal beam lining (1) that is visible in the installed state of the longitudinal beam lining (1), and the detent element (4) comprises a detent hook (8) on the surface (7) of the longitudinal beam lining (1) that is opposite of the indent (5) and not visible in the installed state of the longitudinal beam lining (1).