Vehicle Door Frame Molding Positioning via Support Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing frame molding technologies for vehicle doors are susceptible to positional inaccuracies between the door frame and door panel, leading to potential steps or clearances at the boundary portions between the frame molding and belt-line molding, resulting in an inferior appearance.
Innovation Solution
A frame molding configuration with a body member having integrally formed first and second molding portions, positioned at the inner peripheral edge of the corner portion between the door panel and door frame, and a support member with a positioning portion to determine the position relative to the door panel, eliminating the need for adhesive tapes and improving assembly accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the frame molding is mounted to the door frame with a positional reference provided at the door frame, then the frame molding can be assembled on the corner portion of the window opening, but the positional accuracy of the frame molding relative to the door panel is influenced by accuracy of assembly position of the door frame relative to the door panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support member as an intermediary component between the frame molding and the door panel. The support member includes a positioning portion that directly references the door panel, thereby mediating the connection and eliminating the accumulation of assembly errors from the door frame. This intermediary structure ensures that the frame molding's position is determined by the support member's precise positioning on the door panel rather than by the door frame's assembly accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If the belt-line molding is mounted to the door panel while the frame molding is mounted to the door frame, then both moldings can be installed on their respective components, but a step or clearance may be formed at the boundary portion between the frame molding and the belt-line molding when assembly accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function for both the frame molding and the belt-line molding into a single support member that is fixed to the door panel. By providing a common reference base (the support member) for both moldings, the invention ensures that their relative positions are determined by their arrangements on the same component rather than by the assembly accuracy between the door frame and door panel. This merging of mounting functions eliminates the step or clearance issue at the boundary portion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a connection member is used to connect the frame molding to the belt-line molding via double-sided adhesive tape, then the frame molding can be attached to the belt-line molding, but the assembly process becomes more complex and additional materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the connection member and double-sided adhesive tape from the assembly system. Instead of using a separate connection mechanism between the frame molding and belt-line molding, the invention provides a common support member that both moldings are directly mounted to. This extraction of the intermediate connection component simplifies the assembly process, reduces the number of parts, and eliminates the need for additional adhesive materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame molding configured to be assembled on a corner portion of a window opening formed at an intersecting portion between a door panel and a door frame of a door for a vehicle, the frame molding includes a body member including a first molding portion formed to be extended along a first portion provided at the corner portion and a second molding portion formed to be extended along a second portion provided at the corner portion, the first portion being positioned in a vicinity of the door panel and the second portion being positioned in a vicinity of the door frame, and a support member formed along the first portion and configured to be fixed to the door panel, the support member on which the first molding portion is assembled and which includes a positioning portion determining a position of the body member relative to the door panel.