Contour Connect Trim Attachment System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting vehicle trim to components like vehicle seats often result in wrinkling, which is not effectively addressed by prior hook and loop connection methods.

Innovation Solution

A contour connect system featuring a fabric loop component with a spacer layer, a Class A surface layer, and a loop-containing layer, combined with a low-profile hook component that is flexible and can conform to seat contours, allowing for secure attachment without wrinkling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior hook and loop connection systems are used to attach vehicle trim, then the trim can be securely connected to vehicle components, but the trim surface develops wrinkles that compromise appearance quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidtrim surface flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible foam-backed hook layer that can conform to curved vehicle component surfaces without creating wrinkles on the trim surface. The foam substrate provides flexibility and cushioning, allowing the hook layer to adapt to surface contours while maintaining a smooth appearance on the visible trim side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system uses a composite structure combining a foam layer with a hook-containing layer. This composite material integrates the cushioning and flexibility properties of foam with the mechanical fastening properties of hooks, enabling secure attachment while preventing surface deformation and wrinkles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rigid hook and loop systems are used for trim attachment, then strong mechanical connection is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to curved vehicle component surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidsurface contour adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The foam-backed hook layer acts as a flexible intermediary that can bend and conform to curved vehicle component surfaces. This flexibility allows the rigid hooks to maintain their mechanical strength while adapting to various surface geometries, including curved seats and door panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The foam substrate changes the physical parameters of the hook layer by providing compressibility and flexibility. This allows the connection system to transition from a rigid structure to one that can deform and adapt to different surface contours while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10421414B2Contour connect

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A contour connect system for applying a vehicle trim includes a fabric loop and a low-profile hook component. The fabric loop component includes a spacer layer, Class A surface layer, and a loop-containing layer, the Class A surface layer being adhered to one side of spacer layer while the loop-containing layer is adhered to the opposite side of spacer layer.