Clipped Trim Element Assembly for Integrated Vehicle Umbrella Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella storage systems in vehicles are fragile, require manual opening of covers for access, and lack aesthetic integration with the vehicle's trim.
Innovation Solution
A trim element assembly comprising a carrier member and a second member element, where the second member is clipped to the carrier member with a U-shaped protrusion system that provides stability and aesthetic integration, allowing for secure umbrella storage without manual cover opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is used to close the storage space, then the storage space is protected, but the assembly becomes fragile and requires manual opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate cover component entirely. Instead, the second member element is directly clipped to the carrier member to form a permanent, integrated closure for the storage space. This eliminates the need for manual opening operations while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second member element is permanently attached to the carrier member through a clipping mechanism, merging what would traditionally be separate components (storage space and cover) into a single integrated assembly. This provides both structural strength and permanent closure without requiring separate cover operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a separate cover is used for the storage space, then the storage function is provided, but the visual integration with the vehicle is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The second member element is integrated directly with the carrier member through clipping, creating a unified, seamless appearance. This eliminates the visual discontinuity that would result from a separate, removable cover, providing better aesthetic integration with the vehicle's trim while reducing component count.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple attachment method is used for the second member element, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but the assembly lacks sturdiness
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: the first protrusion on the carrier member and the second protrusion with U-shaped cross-section on the second member element. This segmentation allows for easy manufacturing of individual components while creating a strong, interlocking assembly when clipped together.
Solution Approach 2:
The second protrusion is given a U-shaped cross-section with rounded contours, allowing it to flex and snap onto the first protrusion. This curved geometry provides both ease of assembly (the U-shape can be deformed to receive the first protrusion) and strong mechanical interlocking once assembled, ensuring assembly strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a trim element assembly (10) comprising a carrier member (12) and a second member element (14). The carrier member (12) comprises a first protrusion (26) with at least one hook portion (30). The second member element (14) comprises a second protrusion (62) comprising at least one first branch (64), at least one second branch (66) and at least one bottom (68). The first protrusion (26) cooperates with the second protrusion (62): the first protrusion (26) extends between the at least one first branch (64) and the at least one second branch (66) along a longitudinal direction (X), the at least one bottom (68) extends in regard to the first protrusion (26) along a transversal direction (Y), and the hook portion (30) is arranged in regard to the second member element (14) in the opposite transversal direction (Y). The invention further relates to associated assembling methods.