Dual Orthogonal Mounting System for Vehicle Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting systems for vehicle tailgates require significant space and high tooling investment due to the need for separate mechanical or hydraulic lifter slides for body clips and wire harness clips, especially when both are positioned closely together, such as along the curvature of a raised rib.

Innovation Solution

A dual orthogonal mounting system that integrates both body and wire clip mounting surfaces within a single structure, allowing for orthogonal placement and reducing the need for multiple lifter slides, thus conserving space and lowering tooling costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate mechanical or hydraulic lifter slides are used for body clips and wire harness clips, then each clip can be properly secured, but the space required on the backside of the interior panel increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip securing capabilityVSAvoidspace on backside of interior panel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate mounting structures (for body clips and wire harness clips) into a single integrated mounting structure. This single structure contains multiple mounting locations that can accommodate both types of clips, thereby reducing the total space required on the backside of the interior panel while maintaining the securing capability for both clips

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single mounting structure is designed to serve multiple functions by providing different mounting locations for different types of clips. The structure can accommodate both body clips and wire harness clips simultaneously, making it a universal mounting solution that replaces the need for separate specialized mounting structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate lifter slides are used for body clips and wire harness clips positioned close together, then each clip can be properly mounted, but the clearance for positioning both slides becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip mounting capabilityVSAvoidclearance for slide positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the mounting functions into a single integrated structure, the patent eliminates the need for two separate lifter slides positioned in close proximity. The single structure is mounted once and provides multiple mounting locations, thereby resolving the clearance issue while maintaining the ability to properly mount both clip types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate mounting structures are used for different clips, then each clip can be properly secured, but the tooling investment and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip securing capabilityVSAvoidtooling investment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple separate mounting structures into a single integrated mounting structure that can be produced as one piece using injection molding. This reduces the number of separate tools and molds required, thereby lowering tooling investment and manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to secure multiple different clips

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11608122B2Dual orthogonal mounting system

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A mounting system for clips on a vehicle body panel includes a first portion having a first mounting surface and a first through-opening in the first mounting surface being configured to receive a first clip; and a second portion having a second mounting surface and a second through-opening in the second mounting surface being configured to receive a second clip. The first mounting surface is orthogonal to the second mounting surface.