Clip Device Balancing Trim Stackup Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the assembly of motorized vehicles, positional variations between trim components due to manufacturing tolerances, fastener torque, and thermal expansion lead to visible misalignment issues, which are difficult to eliminate using existing fastening arrangements, affecting both the function and appearance of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A clip device with rotational float capability is used to balance positional variations between two primary trim components, allowing a third component to be precisely positioned at the center of variation, utilizing a base portion with projecting protuberances and a locating pin to convert lateral and orthogonal variations into rotational motion, ensuring accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art attachment fixtures are used to secure trim panels, then the panels can be fastened to the vehicle substructure, but ergonomics and mutilation issues arise and design and manufacture costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex attachment fixture functionality and divides it into separate simple components: locator pins for positioning and clips for fastening. This separation eliminates the need for complex fixtures while maintaining attachment reliability, directly addressing the contradiction between reliable attachment and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If trim components are assembled using conventional fastening arrangements, then components can be attached to the vehicle substructure, but positional variation between components remains visible to the end customer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the trim panel itself - that acts as a mediator between the vehicle substructure and the trim component. The trim panel with its integrated locator pin and clip arrangement compensates for positional variations, maintaining manufacturing ease while achieving visible alignment precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the third trim member is positioned at the center of variation of two primary trim components, then alignment is optimized, but the clip device must convert positional variation into rotational float
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the clip device to rotate about the projection axis, converting static positional variation into dynamic rotational float. This enables the third trim member to be positioned at the center of variation while the clip device automatically adjusts its orientation, achieving alignment precision without overly complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A clip device is provided for balancing opposing variation in a tripartite trim stackup. The tripartite stackup includes a first trim member adjacent to a second trim member, and a trim component positioned at a center thereof. The clip device includes a base portion with a locating pin projecting therefrom, which operates to link the trim component to the clip device. A projection extends from the base portion, and mates with the first trim member to provide a pivot for the clip device. First and second protuberances project from the base portion. The first protuberance mates with and links the first trim member to the clip device. The second protuberance mates with and links the second trim member to the clip device. The clip device converts positional variation of the first and second trim members into rotational float, thereby repositioning the trim component at the center of the trim members.