Vehicle Door Trim Panel Storage Pocket Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door trim panels face a trade-off between collision impact energy absorption and object storage capacity, where increasing one functionality decreases the other, leading to suboptimal performance in both areas.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door trim panel design featuring a multi-tiered periphery on the B-side storage pocket that collapses to absorb impact energy while also providing object storage, allowing for increased capacity in both functionalities without requiring a separate energy absorber in the impact zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate energy absorber is added to the impact zone, then collision impact energy absorption is improved, but device complexity and space utilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy absorption function with the storage pocket structure by configuring the storage pocket walls (particularly the B-side periphery portion) to collapse and deform during impact, eliminating the need for a separate energy absorber component while maintaining both storage and protection functions
Solution Approach 2:
The storage pocket is designed to serve dual purposes: object storage during normal use and impact energy absorption during collision events. The B-side periphery portion is specifically configured to deform and absorb energy while the rest of the pocket maintains storage functionality
2Quantity of substance
If storage pocket size is increased, then object storage capacity is improved, but collision impact energy absorption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different portions of the storage pocket. The B-side periphery portion is designed with collapsible characteristics for energy absorption, while the A-side and interior portions maintain rigid structures suitable for storage. This localized differentiation allows the pocket to provide both storage capacity and impact protection
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 design enhances collision impact energy absorption and object storage capacity simultaneously, providing a more effective and efficient use of space within the door trim panel.
Implementation Method 1
At least some of the B-side periphery portion has a tiered configuration or a multi-tiered configuration... collapses to absorb impact energy
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door trim panel having a vehicle occupant-facing A-side and a vehicle door structure-facing B-side, and includes a first storage pocket partially open to the A-side and fully-closed to the B-side disposed along a first portion of a length of the vehicle door trim panel and a second storage pocket that is substantially fully closed to the A-side and fully closed to the B-side disposed adjacent to the first storage pocket along a second portion of the length of the vehicle door trim panel. The first portion of the length and the second portion of the length are adjacent to one another and do not overlap. The second storage pocket is open laterally to the first storage pocket. The second storage pocket includes a B-side interior portion and a B-side periphery portion. At least some of the B-side periphery portion has a tiered configuration.