Vehicle Overhead Console Retainer Tower Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle overhead console assemblies are costly and lack repeatability in installation, requiring complex assembly processes due to the need for multiple retainer towers and clips.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle overhead console design featuring a housing with a locator and retainer tower, where the retainer tower has a rib that fits within transverse slots of a bracket configured to couple with the vehicle headliner, allowing for easier and more repeatable installation by minimizing the number of required retainer towers and clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple retainer towers and clips are used to secure the overhead console, then the console can be firmly attached to the vehicle headliner, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple retainer towers and clips into a single integrated retainer assembly. The retainer tower includes integrated retainer clips that are formed as part of the same structure, eliminating the need for separate clips and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure attachment to the vehicle headliner.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer tower is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the overhead console, secures the console to the vehicle headliner through integrated clips, and includes locator features for precise positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Strength
If multiple retainer towers and clips are used to secure the overhead console, then the console can be firmly attached to the vehicle headliner, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple retainer towers and clips into a single integrated retainer assembly. The retainer tower includes integrated retainer clips that are formed as part of the same structure, eliminating the need for separate clips and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure attachment to the vehicle headliner.
3Strength
If a complex assembly process is used with multiple retainer towers and clips, then the console can be securely attached, but installation repeatability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer tower includes pre-formed locator features (such as locator tabs or positioning protrusions) that engage with corresponding recesses in the vehicle headliner before the final attachment is made. This preliminary positioning action ensures consistent and repeatable installation locations across different vehicles, eliminating variability in manual positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle overhead console is provided herein. The vehicle overhead console includes a housing having a locator and a retainer tower extending vertically above the housing. The retainer tower has a rib. A bracket is configured to couple to a vehicle headliner and defines a channel. The channel includes a central channel and a plurality of transverse slots and the tower is disposed within the central channel and the rib is disposed within the transverse channel.