Vehicle Door Trim Support Crutch for Clip Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deformation of thermoplastic polymer panels due to temperature and humidity variations during storage causes misalignment of fixing clips on vehicle side door trims, making it difficult to fit the trim onto the internal door lining.
Innovation Solution
The side door trim features two longitudinally spaced support crutches molded in one piece with the tank bottom, which include staircase-like structures and stiffening ribs, and uses ultrasonic riveting for secure attachment to the carrier panel, ensuring proper alignment and fixing even after deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If door trims are stored vertically in warehouses for several months, then logistical efficiency is improved, but the lower part of the peripheral bands deforms due to temperature and humidity variations, causing misalignment of fixing clips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a preliminary support structure (crutch) that is built into the door trim assembly before storage. This crutch proactively prevents deformation by providing mechanical support to the peripheral band during the storage period, thereby maintaining the alignment of fixing clips without requiring special storage conditions or handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The crutch acts as an intermediary element between the peripheral band and the internal lining. It transfers and distributes the mechanical loads, preventing the peripheral band from deforming under its own weight or environmental conditions during storage, thus maintaining the positional relationship between fixing clips and orifices.
2Ease of operation
If the peripheral band is made thin and flexible for easy fitting, then ease of installation is improved, but structural strength decreases, making it more susceptible to deformation during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the peripheral band into multiple segments or zones with different thicknesses and stiffness characteristics. The crutch region is reinforced with higher stiffness to prevent deformation, while other regions maintain thinner profiles for ease of installation and fitting. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both installation ease and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction for the peripheral band, combining materials with different mechanical properties. The crutch incorporates stiffening ribs and layered structures that provide enhanced strength and resistance to deformation, while maintaining overall flexibility and ease of installation. The composite structure allows the peripheral band to be both strong where needed and flexible where required.
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 ensures reliable and efficient assembly of the trim onto the internal door lining by maintaining clip alignment despite panel deformation, simplifying the installation process and preventing unclipping during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
uses ultrasonic riveting for secure attachment to the carrier panel
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic riveting for secure attachment - generates friction and heat that melts and fuses thermoplastic materials
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to side door trim for a motor vehicle, comprising a main carrier panel (11) having a front face (12) that is intended to extend opposite the inner lining of the metal structure of the side door and a peripheral band (13) bordering the front face (12) and extending substantially transversely to the latter, said band (13) terminating at a free edge (14) that is intended to rest against the periphery of the above-mentioned inner door lining. The trim of the invention also comprises trim elements (20, 30, 40, 41, 42, 50, 60, 70) which are solidly connected to the main carrier panel (11) so as to form, at least partially, some of the accessories of said side door. The trim is characterised in that it comprises at least one support (80) rigidly connected to a trim element (70) and extending downward, resting against the inner surface of the lower part of the peripheral band (13).