Door Frame Trim Fastening with Anti-Rotation Alignment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle door frame slide and trim fixing systems suffer from tilting issues when windows are raised, affecting aesthetics and alignment, and existing solutions either fail to prevent tilting or compromise the effectiveness of the fixing mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a connecting piece with a fixing opening and an anti-rotation member that secures the side edge trim to the door frame slide, preventing rotation and tilting by absorbing thrust forces through an elastomeric anti-rotation member, ensuring a robust and aesthetic alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the trim is attached to the door frame track using a connecting piece, then the trim can be secured to the door frame, but the connecting piece tilts towards the bottom of the door frame track during window raising, compromising alignment and aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by adding a rotation prevention element that extends in a direction perpendicular to the bearing face, creating a three-dimensional constraint system. This element projects beyond the rear face of the connecting piece to engage with the door frame track, preventing rotation around the mounting axis while maintaining the original fixing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation prevention element acts as an intermediary component between the connecting piece and the door frame track. It transfers and distributes the mechanical forces, particularly the thrust forces from window raising, preventing these forces from causing rotational tilting of the connecting piece while allowing the primary fixing function to remain intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If the connecting piece absorbs thrust forces from the window, then the window can be raised, but the connecting piece tilts and rotates towards the bottom of the door frame track, altering the track position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrust force absorptionVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the connecting piece by adding a rotation prevention element with specific geometric characteristics. This element has a defined extension length beyond the rear face and specific engagement features that modify how forces are distributed, allowing thrust force absorption while preventing the rotational parameter change that leads to misalignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation prevention element creates a dynamic constraint system that adapts to the forces applied during window raising. The element engages with the door frame track in a way that allows vertical movement and force absorption while dynamically preventing rotational movement, maintaining alignment precision throughout the window raising operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively prevents tilting of the connecting piece and side edge trim, maintaining alignment and aesthetic integrity while absorbing thrust forces from the window, providing a universal and versatile fixing solution adaptable to any door frame type.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric anti-rotation member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3996954B1Device for fastening a motor vehicle door frame lateral edge trim piece
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP3996954B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3996954B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3996954B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (2) for fastening a lateral edge trim piece (9) for a door frame of a motor vehicle (1). The fastening device (2) comprises a connection part (10) configured to fasten the lateral edge trim piece (9) onto a door frame channel (3). The fastening device (2) according to the invention is provided with a rotation prevention member (16) that is securely fastened to the connection part (10) and that ensures the relative position between the lateral edge trim piece (9) and the door frame channel (3). The rotation prevention member (16) thus forms a stop configured to limit the tilting of said fastening device (2) relative to the door frame channel (3) when the lateral edge trim piece (9) is fastened to the connection part (10).