Vehicle Door Trim Clip Retention Under Collision Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing systems for vehicle trim parts fail to maintain attachment during collisions, leading to detachment and potential harm to passengers due to high impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system with a clipping element inserted into an opening of a second part, where the opening has a constant width in one direction and allows the clipping element to move in another direction under external force, maintaining retention and absorbing deformations through controlled displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional centring device is used to fix trim parts, then correct relative positioning is achieved, but the fixing system fails to maintain attachment during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is designed to allow dynamic movement of the clipping element along its longitudinal axis during collisions, enabling the fixing system to adapt to impact forces while maintaining attachment. The clipping element can displace within the opening to absorb deformation energies, preventing detachment while preserving the fixing function.
2Strength
If a double clipping system is used to strengthen fixation, then resistance to disengagement is improved, but disengagement or breakage can still occur under high impact energies
Solution Approach 1:
The opening acts as a pre-designed cushioning space that allows the clipping element to move and absorb impact energies before detachment occurs. This beforehand cushioning mechanism protects the clipping system from breakage under high impact energies by providing a controlled displacement path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the opening width varies along its length, then the clipping element can move to absorb deformation, but the retention width may change compromising attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The opening has a specific geometric configuration where the width in the first direction remains substantially constant along its length, ensuring consistent retention width for the clipping element. This local quality constraint maintains reliable attachment while allowing movement in the longitudinal direction to absorb deformations.
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
Prevents detachment of trim parts during collisions by allowing controlled relative movement, ensuring safety and maintaining attachment under impact forces.
Implementation Method 1
the clipping element is configured to exert a clipping pressure on the second part around the opening and/or against the walls that determine the width of this opening in this first direction
Implementation Method 2
the opening is configured and arranged to enable the clipping element to move in the second direction under the action of an external force, maintaining the retention of the at least two parts on the clipping axis in any displacement position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
FIXING SYSTEM BETWEEN PARTS AND VEHICLE DOOR TRIM INCLUDING THE SAME The present invention is related to a fixing system between parts preferably used in an assembly of different parts of vehicle trim panels, using a system that includes a clipping element (11) in a first part (21) that is coupled in an opening (12) located in a second part (22), the clipping element (11) being able to displace through the opening without disengaging as the opening is longer than a dimension of said clipping element (11), to absorb the deformation of the parts when there is an external force of an impact on a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle door trim including the fixing system, as well as to the vehicle comprising the above trim.