Door Trim Fitting Structure with Slit-Expanded Receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fitting structures for attaching a door trim to a door panel require a large force for insertion due to the rigidity of the door panel, and increasing the projection's dimension is not feasible to reduce this force, leading to potential deformation and removal issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact fitting structure featuring a receptacle with a fitting portion, a supporting portion, and slits that allow the fitting projection to be easily inserted by expanding the receiving space, reducing the required insertion force without increasing the projection's dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the dimension of the fitting projection in the insertion direction is increased to reduce insertion force, then the insertion force is reduced, but the space behind the door panel required for the fitting projection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting projection is divided into two functional sections: a first section that fits into the receiving space for positioning, and a second section that engages with the fitting portion for securing. This segmentation allows the projection to achieve secure attachment without requiring excessive insertion force or increased dimensional space behind the door panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting portion is designed with flexibility to deform during the insertion process and then maintain the fitted projection in place. This dynamic behavior allows the fitting structure to accommodate the insertion force requirements while maintaining a compact space behind the door panel, as the flexible fitting portion can adjust during insertion and then hold the projection securely.
2Reliability
If a force is applied to the door trim in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and the fitting projection contacts the edge of the hole, then the edge of the hole may deform and cause removal of the fitting projection
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting projection is segmented into a first section positioned in the receiving space and a second section fitted to the fitting portion. This segmentation distributes the mechanical loads and prevents concentration of force at the hole edge, thereby preventing deformation and maintaining fitting stability under opposing forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving space is designed to accommodate the first section of the fitting projection, providing a cushioning effect that prevents direct contact and force concentration at the hole edge. This prior cushioning design prevents edge deformation before harmful forces can cause damage.
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 structure enables components to be fitted together with a smaller force, maintaining stability and preventing removal, even when forces are applied in the opposite direction, without enlarging the projection or receptacle dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
the fitting portion can be easily warped. During insertion of the fitting projection into the receiving space, the fitting portion is pushed up by the fitting projection and thus the receiving space expands.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting structure for fitting first and second members together includes a fitting projection and a receptacle. The fitting projection protrudes from a second member opposed surface of the first member opposed to the second member toward the second member. The receptacle protrudes from an opposite surface on an opposite side from the second member opposed surface in an opposite direction from the second member opposed surface and includes an internal receiving space. The receptacle includes a fitting portion, a supporting portion, and two slits. A section of an inner surface of the supporting portion is opposed to inner surface of the fitting portion. The slits are provided between two edges of the fitting portion and two edges of the supporting portion to communicate with the receiving space. The fitting projection includes a first section disposed in the receiving space and a second section fitted to the fitting portion.