Vehicle Door Trim Strip Alignment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door assemblies face challenges in presenting an aesthetically pleasing appearance due to visible weather strips or trim pieces, which can affect the vehicle's exterior design.
Innovation Solution
A door assembly design featuring a first and second component with alignment members that attach a trim strip to the door frame, ensuring the distal edge of the trim strip aligns with the door frame's edges, providing a flush and aesthetically appealing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional weather strips or trim pieces are used to cover door edges, then the edges are protected and covered, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised due to visible trim pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weather strip and trim strip into a single integrated assembly where the trim strip is molded to the alignment member that is part of the weather strip assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate visible trim pieces while maintaining edge coverage and protection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment member serves multiple functions: it provides alignment during assembly, attaches the trim strip to the door frame, and becomes part of the integrated weather strip assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving both protective and aesthetic goals.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment and attachment methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but installation time and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trim strip is pre-molded to the alignment member during manufacturing, establishing precise alignment features before installation. The alignment members are designed with specific geometric features that automatically ensure correct positioning when assembled, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment members act as intermediaries between the trim strip and the door frame, providing a mechanical interface that ensures precise alignment. The engagement features of the alignment members automatically position the trim strip correctly relative to the door frame edges during assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for door assembly, then adaptability is improved, but assembly complexity and tolerance issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weather strip and trim strip are merged into a single integrated assembly through the alignment member, reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled. This integration simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the functional adaptability of the door assembly system.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle, a door assembly for the vehicle and a method of assembling the door assembly are disclosed. A first component includes a first alignment member and a second component is attached to the first component. The second component includes first and second ends spaced along a first axis, and includes first and second side edges spaced along a second axis transverse to the first axis. A trim strip extending to a distal edge, with the second component coupled to the trim strip. A second alignment member attached to the trim strip, with the alignment members engaging each other to attach the trim strip to the first component and orientate the distal edge of the trim strip relative to the first axis such that the distal edge of the trim strip and one of the side edges of the second component substantially align with each other along the first axis.