Decor Element Plunger Lug Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing decorative elements on vehicle walls are either tool-intensive, damage-sensitive, or operator-dependent, lacking a reliable and unremovable solution.
Innovation Solution
A decorative element design featuring a plunger with extensions that pass through holes in the wall, equipped with lugs and slots that provide automatic locking via complementary locking means, ensuring secure and vibration-resistant attachment without operator dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ultrasonic welding is used to fix the extension to the wall, then the fastening strength is improved, but the chrome plating appearance is damaged and significant tooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic welding (thermal-mechanical process) with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of a pin with lugs that engage through holes in the wall and lock into recesses on the extension. This mechanical fastening system avoids the harmful thermal effects of welding that damage chrome plating while maintaining fastening strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pin as an intermediary component that mediates between the wall and the extension. The pin with its lugs and recesses creates a mechanical connection that transfers load without directly contacting or damaging the chrome-plated extension surface, thus preserving appearance while ensuring strength
2Ease of manufacture
If a gripping washer is used to cap the extension end, then the installation process is simplified, but the fastening strength becomes operator-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The pin with lugs and recesses is designed to self-lock automatically upon insertion through the wall hole. The geometry of the lugs and recesses creates inherent mechanical interference that prevents removal without tools, making the fastening process self-regulating and independent of operator skill or tightening force
Solution Approach 2:
The pin features asymmetric geometry with lugs that have specific widths and recesses positioned to allow easy insertion in one direction while preventing removal in the opposite direction. This asymmetric design creates a one-way mechanical lock that ensures consistent fastening strength regardless of operator variability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable fastening system is used, then the decorative element can be repositioned, but the vibration resistance and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed with lugs that automatically engage with recesses on the extension upon insertion, creating immediate mechanical locking. This preliminary engagement action ensures that the fastening is established in the correct position and orientation before any vibration or operational loads are applied, providing both reliability and the option for initial repositioning if needed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The decorative element (1), suitable for being fixed to a wall (2) pierced with at least one hole (3), comprises a decoration (4) suitable for being placed against the wall (2), a plunger (5) comprising at most as many extensions (51) perpendicular to the decoration (4) as there are holes (3), suitable for passing through the wall (2) at the level of a hole (3) and being attached to the decoration (4) by its proximal end, where an extension (51) is pierced with a through light (54) at its distal end (53), the light (54) being arranged so as to be flush with the wall (2), and a pin (6) comprising at least one lug (61) and at most as many lugs (61) as there are lights (54), suitable for being inserted into a light (54) so as to oppose a withdrawal of the plunger (5).